Page 27 of The Rescue

She blinks at me, and shakes her head as if she was in a trance.

“No, sorry. It’s just I’ve never been treated like this from a man before.”

“Like what? I’m just bringing you a glass of water.”

“I know, it’s just the thoughtfulness, I’m not used to it,” she shrugs.

This makes me sad, because what kind of fucking guys has she been surrounding herself with, bringing someone a drink is just common fucking manners.

“It’s time to close up for the day, we only do half days on Sundays. Sorry, I should’ve told you.” I sit down across from her.

“Oh that’s nice, what’s the plan? Are we meeting the guys at the pub?”

“I don’t go to the pub on Sundays, I go to my Nan’s for dinner. I would love for you to join me. She’s been dying to meet you properly, but if you think it’s lame and don’t want to go, I can tell her you were busy.”

She looks at me with a frown on her face, and I wish I could read her mind.

“Why would I think it’s lame? I would love to join you,” she beams a smile at me.

Her smile makes my stomach drop, and I try to focus on our conversation before I’m lost in a daydream of what it would be like to kiss her.

“Great, I just need to go upstairs and freshen up, then I’ll be ready.”

“Okay, I might do the same.” We both stand up at the same time.

We hover there at the table for a while, until she steps around me, breaking my daze of her.Shit, get it together, Rabbie!

* * *

After quickly freshening up, we’re walking up the main street towards my nan’s house. Ever since I moved out, it’s been a weekly tradition to have dinner together every Sunday. I shouldn’t be, but I feel anxious going to my nan’s tonight. I usually go by myself, this is the first time I’ve taken a guest with me that isn’t any of my friends . I know my nan will love Crystal, but I know I will get a million questions when Crystal isn’t around. Everyone in town knows my nan is a wee busy body, the town gossip. I can guarantee when something happens in this town, my nan is the first person to know about it.

It’s a beautiful crisp afternoon and the wind gently rustles the trees, the leaves are starting to turn a deep red and golden colour. Autumn is my favourite time of year. I love the smell of the air when it’s damp outside, and you can smell the rain rolling in over the highlands. It’s time to start slowing down, and get ready to cosy up as the days get shorter. I should be slowing down, but autumn and winter is the busiest time of year for me. Soon everyone will be placing their orders for mince pies andChristmas puddings. I’m deep in thought about trying to prepare myself for a busy season ahead when Crystal’s sweet as honey voice cuts in.

“I love this time of year,” she says as if she just read my mind.

I look over at her and her crimson red hair is gently whipping around her delicate face, her freckled cheeks are rosy pink from the crisp Scottish air.

“Aye, me too,” I smile at her.

“So, is there something I should know before properly meeting your Nan?” She asks with a raised eyebrow.

“Well, my nan can be a wee nosy old thing sometimes. She’ll probably pry and ask you a million questions. You know, as all old women do,” I shrug at her with empathy.

“I’m sure I can handle a few questions from an old woman,” she winks at me.

“Good, cause we’re here.”

We’ve stopped outside my nan’s house, she’s lived here for over fifty years. It’s a tiny seaside house, it’s nothing flash, but it’s home. Right on cue, as I go to turn the door handle, my nan swings the door open, it’s as if she’s been standing on the other side waiting this whole time.

“Hello, my braw laddie. I was starting to think you weren’t coming,” she stands on her toes and squishes my cheeks.

“Hi, Nan. You know I would never miss a Sunday dinner with you, just got caught up at the cafe,” I try wriggling free from her iron grip on my cheeks.

She peers around me, and then looks back up at me with a curious grin on her face.

“And you’ve brought Dylan’s wee friend with you, sorry I’ve forgotten your name,” she says to Crystal.

The tone from my nan is a little guarded than usual, and she often uses the endearment “Hen” when addressing younger females, she says it when speaking to Dylan and Fiona. I’m alittle taken back when she doesn’t offer Crystal a warm welcome that I’m used to. I hide the disappointment on my face because I don’t want to freak Crystal out, she’s already skittish about small towns, and people who reside in them.

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