Page 145 of Midnights
A hostess leads us toward the back, sliding us into a booth tucked near the kitchen. Somehow, it's quieter here. Which is actually nice.
I pick up the menu and before I even get a chance to look at it, a woman bounces up to our table. Her smile is so warm and bubbly that I bet she's not faking it. Some people just really like what they do, apparently.
“Hey ladies! What can I start you off with to drink tonight?”
“We’ll just start with water for now, thank you!” I reply with a polite smile.
She spins on her heel and I take a second to soak it all in. The energy. The laughter. The unmistakable vibe of this place. Scotland has this way of getting under your skin, and making you feel like you belong to it. There’s something here that just feels right, like a piece of me fits here in a way I’ve never quite felt anywhere else.
The waitress comes over like she’s about to deliver the best news ever.
“You ladies picked theperfectnight! The owner is here, and he’s everyone’s favorite chef. He's making tonight’s special, or have you already decided?”
Rachel perks up, “Oh, that sounds exciting.”
The waitress nods. “Aye! It’s a treat for everyone when he’s in.”
Rachel doesn’t hesitate. She snaps her menu shut and hands it back with a grin. “Two specials, please!”
The waitress claps her hands together, practically glowing. “Oh perfect! You’re going to love it!” She takes the menus before disappearing toward the kitchen.
Rachel watches her go, shaking her head with a small smile. “I swear, this place is amazing. We really should think about moving out here. I’m down if you are. You know that right?”
I pause mid-sip, staring at her. “Wait, you’re serious? You want to move here?”
She leans across the table and I can tell this is going to be good. “Think about it. We’d have all the time in the world to look for your family. Plus, Scotland just… fits, you know? Maybe stay for a year, then reevaluate?”
Her words sink in, and I open my mouth to speak, but she cuts me off with a careless wave.
“You’d thrive here. You don’t need the money, so you could do whatever you wanted. And I’d find my groove, for sure. Just imagine the cozy pubs, friendly people, we'd have a few Highland cows in our backyard.” She pauses dramatically. “Oh, and hot Highlanders…”
I roll my eyes, but the idea decides to set up camp in my brain, complete with neon signs.
“Just think about it,” she adds, wiggling her eyebrows.
“Okay.” I fight back a small smile. “I’ll think about it.”
She beams, and just like that, switches gears so fast I get mental whiplash.
“Do we need to hit the dress shop tomorrow and get that sorted? I mean, I'm sure they’ll fit, but can you imagine waiting until the last second and needing something fixed?Total disaster.”
“Yeah,” I reply, pulling out my phone, trying to push the bomb she just dropped in my lap aside. “We’ll head over there as soon as we eat breakfast.”
I pull out my phone to check the appointment time. I actually connected with this designer through social media. His designs are insane, and I had to have one. They’re stunning. One of the best perks of my job is meeting such talented people, and I can’t wait to see the finished product.
A cold prickle runs down my spine, and the hair on the back of my neck stands up. The feeling of being watched tightens with each passing second.
I force myself to act casual, then slowly turn to scan the room. As usual, no one’s looking my way. The feeling vanishes as fast as it came, leaving me uneasy. I don't get it.
Our waitress reappears, balancing our plates. We didn't ask what the special was, but looking at my plate now, my stomach flips. Haggis.
Rachel unfolds her napkin like she’s about to start a five-star dining experience. “I didn’t try yours last time,” she says, eyeing my plate. “But if you liked it, this one should be fan-fucking-tastic.”
“Enjoy, ladies!” The waitress chirps, giving a playful bow before bouncing back toward the kitchen.
Here goes nothing. I scoop up a small bite, mentally preparing myself. The second it hits my tongue, my eyes widen. Holy shit. Thisisbetter than last time.
“Oh my God,” I mumble, covering my mouth, becausemanners.“This is amazing.”
