Page 27 of Lochlan

“Hello, sweetheart. How are you?'

I grab my bag and keys and head for the door. “I'm fine. I'd like to call you back in a few minutes. I'm just heading out the door.”

“Make sure that you do. I have a few things to talk to you about.”

Something doesn't sound right, but I resist the urge to ask and risk being late for work. “I promise, five minutes.” And I dash through the door.

I punch Dad's number in the car console. He picks it up on the first ring. “Why haven't you called me? We agreed you would call the next day about your interview at MacTavish.”

“Yeah, right, sorry. Stuff happened so fast that I got busy.”

“I understand you're busy. I want to know what happened.”

I pull onto the freeway and speed up. “You'll be happy to know the oats and haggis network did its job. They hired me on the spot and I worked that day.”

“That's good. Did you meet Lochlan MacTavish?”

“Yes. He's training me in the tasting room.”

“Did he make a pass at you?”

“Dad.”

“I want to know if he's living up to his reputation.”

“He hasn't made a pass at me.”

“Are you sure?”

“I think I know what it's like when a guy shows interest in me; there was no pass.” Only a semi-nude photo session in his bedroom.

“Still, I want you to stay away from him.”

“That will be difficult. I work in the tasting room with him, along with other associates. Did you have another concern?”

“I actually have a surprise. Your mother is coming here for the holidays. I want to know when you're flying down.”

There are happiness and dread crashing together. “That's a great surprise. I can't wait to see her.”

“Your mother told me last night she has an unexpected break in her schedule. I told her I wanted to give you the news.”

“I don't know yet. I'll let you know in a few days after I've seen my training and work schedules.” It's a lie, but I'm buying time.

“Remember, not spending time with us during the holiday, is not an option. I've rearranged my schedule to have more time with you and your mother.”

“I’ll be there. “Tha gaol mòr agam ort,” I say.

“I love you too. Be careful.”

I pull into the parking lot just as I disconnect the call. I only have a few minutes before I'm late and gain the ire of Lochlan.

I walk through the tasting room doors with a minute to spare with no Lochlan, but Connell is there unloading a case of glasses. He looks up as I round the bar and stow my bag in a cabinet underneath the counter.

“Did you have a good evening?” he asks with definite innuendo.

I give him a bright smile. “It was uneventful.”

He raises an eyebrow, not quite believing me, especially after Lochlan dismissed him to speak with me. “What did Lochlan want to talk to you about, or is it a secret?”

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