Page 19 of A Scottish Christmas Hideaway
He nodded. ‘We’ll see. I’ll need to get back into the day job which has taken a bit of a back seat this year. I’ve a couple of design projects to get on with in the new year.’ He paused. ‘Look, do you fancy joining me for some dinner? I’m famished. I’ve not eaten all day.’
Brodie looked longingly at the table by the fire where Reuben’s coat was. ‘I would love to. But . . . I should really get on. I’ve got loads to finish before the holidays.’
Reuben raised an eyebrow. ‘Go on. I’m sure I can tempt you with a quick burger. My treat.’
He pulled a face. ‘Okay, okay, no need to bribe me any more. I’ve said I’ll come and do the window seat.’ He laughed and followed Reuben over to the table.
‘What can I get you guys?’ said Lily. ‘Are you ready to order?’
‘I’ll have the cheeseburger,’ said Reuben, realising he was hungry and weary and ready to collapse.
‘Sod it,’ said Brodie. ‘I’ll have the same. I’m so easily led.’
‘I’ll bring them out when they’re ready.’
It didn’t take long for Lily to appear with the burgers and when Reuben bit into his he realised that his hunger and tiredness made it taste like the best meal he had ever had.
Brodie smacked his lips as he dipped a chip into ketchup and sighed. ‘Just what the doctor ordered.’
‘Indeed,’ said Reuben before he took another mouthful of burger. They chatted about work and then inevitably the conversation turned towards football and how their favourite team was doing. They both supported Partick Thistle.
‘I couldn’t believe I missed the last match,’ said Brodie, shaking his head. ‘We had a shout just as I was about to leave for the game.’
Reuben was surprised to learn that Brodie was a member of the local lifeboat crew. ‘You kept that quiet,’ he said. ‘I didn’t know you could save lives on the water as well as all the other stuff you do.’
Brodie shrugged.
‘I guess it makes you popular with the ladies?’
He gave a short laugh. ‘Not really. My last girlfriend dumped me because she thought I was more dedicated to the rescue boat than her.’
‘Ouch,’ said Reuben.
‘Which is why this Christmas I’m not hanging around.’
‘What do you mean?’
Brodie grinned at him. ‘I’m off to Costa Rica.’
‘Wow,’ said Reuben. ‘I wasn’t expecting you to say that. Tell me more.’
‘I’ve not had a holiday all year and decided now was as good a time as any. So while you’re eating your turkey, I’ll be hanging out with sloths and screaming monkeys and enjoying paradise.’ He looked very pleased at the thought.
‘That does sound good,’ said Reuben. Brodie definitely had the right idea. Some winter sun sounded very appealing.
‘How about you?’
‘Just the usual,’ said Reuben with a shrug. ‘A quiet one. Visiting my dad...’
‘Any women on the scene?’
He thought fleetingly about Jessica and their trip to the Christmas tree farm. The way her eyes flashed when he called her Jessie and the pink flush on her cheeks he’d noticed when she was nervous. He sighed and firmly shook his head. ‘No. I’m keeping a low profile and staying out of trouble.’
Brodie studied him for a minute before speaking. ‘You know you don’t have to stay hidden away forever, Reuben. Just because of what Belinda did.’
Reuben frowned. ‘I know. But at the moment the thought of dating anyone is far too much hassle.’
‘Cheers to that,’ said Brodie.
