Page 26 of Refuge for Ailsa

Tavish started to laugh. “What the hell are the two of you doing here?”

Conor and Morris were laughing too. “Somebody at the motel told us about this place,” Conor answered. “My god, these drunken noodles are amazing.”

“Yeah, the food’s really good here. Hey, guys, this is AilsaMacDougal. She owns the MyrtleBay Marina and Boat Store. Conor and Morris. They’re Texas Department of Fish and Wildlife officers.”

“What on earth are you doing here?” she asked.

“Friends told us there was good fishing in the eastern part of the state, but I found this little gem and decided that was far enough,” Conor explained.

“And?” she asked.

“Fishing’s been good. Of course, we can’t carry them all the way back with us, so we’re just catching and releasing, but it’s been fun.”

“How much longer you guys around?” Tavish asked.

Morris wiped his mouth with his napkin before speaking. “Leaving Sunday.”

“I’m off Thursday night, so I’d like to take you to dinner. Your choice. If you want to go.”

“Count me in!” Conor sang out. “Sounds good.”

“Yeah, me too.” Morris smiled at Ailsa. “You coming too?”

“Um, I…”

“Of course you can come, babe. You’re more than welcome.” Tavish’s arm had been around her waist loosely, but he tightened it just enough for her to know he meant what he’d said.

“I’ll think about it. Maybe it should just be a boys’ night out. Hey, it was good to meet you guys, but I’m hungry,” she said and glanced toward the hostess.

“Oh, yeah. Don’t want her getting hangry. Nice to meet you, Ailsa. Good luck keeping him in check,” Conor said with a grin.

Tavish pointed at the two men. “Good to see you guys. You’ve got my card. Just give me a call or text me.”

Conor smiled. “Will do. Thanks, Tavish.”

“I told you, Tav. That’s what everybody calls me,” he said as Ailsa dragged him toward the table by his elbow.

“Okay, Tav! Later!” Morris called out.

“They’re a hoot,” Ailsa said as he helped her into her chair.

“Nice guys.” The hostess handed them menus and they set about looking through the listings, with a question about this or that. Fortunately, Tavish had been there enough that he could answer most of her questions, and in minutes, they had drinks and their food order had been taken too. He’d insisted on the salt and pepper calamari as an appetizer, and she said it sounded great to her.

The food came and it was just as good as ever. They were talking and laughing when his whole world went to shit. “Tavish?”

The minute he turned, he knew he was fucked. “Yeah. It’s me.”

“What are you doing here? Who’s she?” Bridget barked.

“She’s my date.”

Bridget folded her arms across her chest and glared at Ailsa. “Yourdate?” she spat, never taking her eyes from Ailsa. “And you didn’t bother to tell her you have agirlfriend?” Now he was worried. Ailsa’s face had gone completely blank, and that wasn’t good.

“It’s because I don’t have a girlfriend.” That got an eyebrow lift from Ailsa. “At least not a girlfriend whose name is Bridget,” he snapped back.

“Right. You didn’t bother to tell her you were dating somebody.” Bridget had started to tap her foot in irritation.

Ailsa placed her napkin carefully on the table, but she never looked up. “Uh, maybe I should let the two of you?”

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