Page 65 of One Night in Edinburgh

‘It is in my line of work. It’s hard not to be reminded of those who go without when I’m indulging like this.’

‘Fair enough.’ He nods understanding.

‘You know what you can do to address that unnecessary burden?’ Kayleigh flicks her hair precociously. ‘Get a better job in a better paying industry and stop playing rescuer to the down and outs.’

This comment riles me and I’m about to bite back and call Kayleigh out for being the heartless snob that she is, but I think better of it. I realise I’ll get told off like a naughty child by my parents in front of Jamie, mortifying in itself, and I don’t want him to see too much of this side of my life. Kayleigh brings out the worst in me – no question – behaviour I’m quite frankly ashamed of. I seem to lose control because she winds me up so much, and I don’t want Jamie beginning to question if I am who he thinks I am.

Instead, I pretend my mouth’s too full to answer, while counting to ten in my head to help the moment pass without incident.

‘How’s the Balvenie, Jamie?’ my dad asks to fill the silence.

‘Superb, Ron,’ Jamie inspects his whisky while he says this. ‘I’ve only had the twelve-year-old before. This twenty-one-year-old PortWood is in a league of its own – almost creamy but with a sort of sweetness and spiciness to it as well. It’s got a long finish that stays with you.’

‘I wouldn’t describe it much differently myself. You certainly seem to understand your whiskies, young man. I’m impressed.’

‘I took a tasting course once upon a time. Can remember a few things from it.’

‘Aww… look at them,’ Mikey whispers in my ear. ‘Jamie’s like the son Dad never had.’

I try to stifle the giggle that suddenly rises up.

‘Everything OK?’ Jamie looks at me curiously.

‘Yeah, fine.’ I squeeze his thigh under the table reassuringly and lower my voice. ‘You’re doing great.’

After dessert, we have coffee, which comes with homemade petit fours that none of us have any room for, but we force them down all the same. The conversation flows easily. Perhaps more easily than it normally does between us, and I can’t help thinking that Jamie’s the perfect addition to our dysfunctional set-up. He brings a calm that’s not normally there, but also seems to be able to balance the stuffiness of my parents and Kayleigh with Mikey’s and my need for some level of banter. If I didn’t now know Jamie to be a successful businessman, I’d wonder if he were trained for undercover work. His ability to slot right in is almost uncanny.

By the time we’re getting up to leave, I’m actually able to say that I enjoyed my afternoon with my family: a first in my adult life.

‘Bye, Mum. Bye, Dad. Kayleigh… Mikey.’

I make my way around them one by one, my brother giving me a big hug, while Kayleigh offers her usual superficial one. I note however, that she lingers a bit, fluttering her eyelashes, when Jamie reaches in for a polite goodbye kiss on the cheek. Perhaps having Kayleigh approve of my new boyfriend isn’t as good as I first thought. I may have to watch her around him.

‘Marjory, Ron, thank you ever so much for allowing me to join you this afternoon,’ says Jamie. ‘It was extremely kind and generous of you.’

‘You’re very welcome, Jamie,’ says my mum. ‘It was a real pleasure to have your company. I hope we didn’t scare you off.’

‘Not at all. You’ll be seeing me again for sure. And, Ron, I hope you’ll enjoy the rest of your birthday.’

‘Thank you. I’m sure I will,’ says my dad. ‘There’s a log fire, an armchair and a whisky cabinet with my name on it. Tell me, Jamie. Do you play golf?’

‘I don’t.’ Jamie shakes his head. ‘But I’m always up for trying something new.’

‘That’s clear from your profession. How would you like to join me on the course sometime? I’m a member of Craiglockhart Golf Club.’

‘I’d be happy to. Sounds great.’

‘What did I tell you?’ Mikey leans in and raises a comical eyebrow at me. ‘He’s never once asked me to go golfing with him.’

I chuckle by way of a response, but mentally add Dad to the same to-watch list as Kayleigh. I’m all for my family warming to Jamie, but I’ve a feeling I’ll be fighting them off before long.

Chapter 20

The day after my dad’s birthday lunch, I find myself with some rare space in my calendar at work, so I decide to take that opportunity to visit Mrs Carmichael and pick up the additional item she’s offered for next month’s fundraiser. With all the extra hours I’ve been doing, I haven’t had a chance yet and I know she’ll be wondering where I am.

Just as I’m heading out the door, Lizzie pops her head out of her office and calls after me.

‘Steph, where are you off to? I was thinking we could take a look at the draft strategy again. I’d appreciate your eye on this new version.’

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