Page 48 of A Scottish Christmas Hideaway
Jessica couldn’t help but laugh. Agata had a way with words.
Jessica had agreed to meet Gillian and Lily in the pub at six, and although she was a bit early, Jessica decided to walk directly there and wait rather than go home.
The Rowan Bar was a small pub tucked in a corner of the high street and very easy to miss unless you knew what you were looking for. From the outside it didn’t look at all fancy with its plain white façade and red lettering. But as soon as you opened the door and entered, it was a sprawling and warm welcoming place with lots of tables and chairs tucked in nooks and crannies. There was a log fire roaring in the centre which filled the room with the scent of woodsmoke and made it feel like a cosyhideaway. She found herself a quiet, cosy corner and sat down and started to scroll through her phone.
Jessica was lost in thought when Gillian and Lily arrived together, bundled up in their winter coats with hats and scarves.
The woman with brown hair and sparkling eyes grinned at her. ‘Hiya, you must be Jessica. I’m Lily,’ she said in a soft Yorkshire lilt. She smiled warmly at Jessica as she pulled off her hat and looked towards the bar.
‘And you know me,’ said Gillian, laughing.
‘It’s lovely to meet you, Lily. Here, you two sit down and I’ll go to the bar. What would you like?’
‘A glass of red wine would be lovely, thank you,’ said Lily.
‘Same here.’
‘I’ll be right back.’ Jessica walked over to the bar and ordered a bottle of wine with three glasses and took it back to the table. ‘There you go,’ she said, filling each glass up. ‘Well, cheers.’ The women clinked the glasses together and took a sip.
‘It’s good to finally meet you, Lily. Gillian told me that you’re working at the inn. Have you been there long?’
‘I’ve been there for a couple of years.’
‘Where did you move from?’ asked Jessica.
Lily waved her hand. ‘I’ve lived all over. Up in the Highlands, in Yorkshire, over in Spain and down south.’
Jessica noted Lily’s vague answer but knew it wasn’t her place to pry. ‘And what do you make of Rowan Bay then? It must be very different to the other places you’ve stayed?’
Lily paused for a moment. ‘I love it here,’ she said thoughtfully. ‘It’s the only place I have ever really settled and felt at home.’
Jessica understood what she meant, and once again she felt a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving Rowan Bay behind. ‘It’s certainly a special place. I forgot how much I miss the loch.’
‘You work in London?’
‘I do. Although the thought of going back doesn’t appeal.’
‘I wish you could stay,’ said Gillian. ‘It’s been so good having you here.’
Jessica smiled at her friend. ‘I’ve really enjoyed being back.’
‘You must come to the Hogmanay party at the inn, if you’re still here?’ said Lily. ‘Practically the whole village comes along these days.’
The thought cheered Jessica up. ‘That sounds fun. I’m sure my parents mentioned something about it.’
Lily’s eyes lit up. ‘Of course, you’re Catriona and Angus’s daughter? They’re some of our best customers.’
Jessica smiled. ‘Yes, they’re always raving about how good the food is and how much it’s improved.’
‘I put that down to the new management,’ said Gillian with a wink, and then she waved at someone at the bar. ‘Hey, Brodie,’ she called.
Jessica looked over to see a tall, broad man with dark hair walking over to their table.
‘Evening,’ he said with a grin. ‘How’re you doing?’
‘Good thanks,’ said Lily with a smile. ‘Do you want to join us?’
He shook his head. ‘No, thanks, I’m not stopping. I’ve got loads to do before I go away.’
