Page 30 of Priceless
Who could she be calling?
He smiled when his own phone vibrated.
Jocko, Inverness is lovely.
As a Scot, I am pleased ye think so. If I lived anywhere, it would be Inverness.
That’s just because I made you Scottish.
Even so.
I’m hungry. Suggestions?
There’s always Jocko’s Pub, of course, which is on yer list. Or there’s McBain’s or Johnny Foxes. Are ye thirsty as well?
Just hungry.
He struggled to act like a neutral robot.
Might I suggest McBain’s. It’s not far. Good food. Or there’s The Kitchen, on the opposite side of the river.
McBain’s. Give me directions. This is where I am.
She sent him a pin.
Jacob pulled up directions then copied it to her.
He got an unexpected thrill when she stood and started walking. Made him feel like he was controlling a remote-control toy. If only he could tell her to look for the man half a block behind her and throw her arms around him.
She looked out at the river, taking in the scenery. He ducked behind a lorry. If she saw him too many times in a day, she’d know he was stalking her. Would she remember seeing him at the train station?
She lifted her phone in front of her face. A moment later, the message pinged him. She was dictating then.
I’m so glad I came. I think I like this better than Edinburgh. I’m more small towny, I guess.
Then ye’ll love the people. Talk straight with them and they’ll do the same in kind.
She stopped with a block yet to go. In the distance, there was a line of folks waiting to get into McBain’s. She spoke at her phone again.
The line’s too long. How far to Jocko’s?
His stomach jumped into his throat.
One block south, two blocks east, on Queensgate.
Good food?
He certainly liked to think so, but today, he wasn’t sure of anything at all.
They’re always improvin’ their menu.
Long lines?
Likely not.
Perfect.
Aye. Just the word he hoped to hear once she saw the place.
