Page 72 of Lochlan

“Why, because of Kenzie?” she blurts out, then raises her hand to stop me from responding. “I promised I wouldn't mention her name.” She's silent for a few moments, considering. “I'm in a place where I don't know anyone except for you and Geordie, and I'm not interested in breaking bread with him. The horrible truth is that I'm lonely and if I have to go back to that comfortable wee house tonight with no more company than the television, I think I'll go mad.”

This confident, self-assured woman looks much smaller and lost standing before me. I remember how lonely I was when I first came to America. If it wasn't for Geordie, I would have succumbed to madness long ago.

“Which of my favorites have you prepared?”

A smile comes to her lips immediately, regaining her old self.

“There's only one food you'll eat, and that's rare steak with horseradish and a side of crispy tatties. So, does this mean you're coming?”

“When was the last time you saw me pass up steak and potatoes?”

She places a hand on my chest and, before I realize it, her lips brush my cheek with a kiss. “You won't regret it, Lochlan, you're about to get a taste of home.”

CHAPTER31

GOOD MORNING SAN PACITAS

LOCHLAN

The last piece of steak is as savory as the first. I'd forgotten how easy it was to spend an evening with Fiona. With shared memories and friends, it seems like we're back home and about to walk down to the pub for a nightcap.

Fiona picks up the plates and heads for the kitchen. I grab the glasses and follow her into the small space. “I'll help you with the washing up,” I say.

She glances over her shoulder at me. “All right, the tea towel is in the cupboard over there.”

Fiona drops dishwashing liquid into the sink and turns on the tap. She watches the suds rise, turning off the tap when the bubbles are halfway up the basin.

“How do you like living in America?” she asks, using a sponge to swirl soapy water around a plate.

“There was an adjustment when I first came—all the sunshine, for one thing. I think it's the work, the act of building something, that's helped me to stay.” I reach for the rinsed plate she hands me.

“Aye, the weather is bright even in winter here. I would think I was on a perpetual vacation if I lived in California; it might even make me miss the fog and rain.”

“Have you done much traveling with MacTavish Distilleries?”

She squints at a glass, checking that she's missed nothing, then hands it to me. “I've been traveling a fair amount in the past year and a half, visiting different locations mostly with Ian, but also on my own. He thinks it's better to be on site to see the operations. In each location, I've worked on a project with the head of that facility. I'll say it's been an education. I've enjoyed it, and I enjoy the chance to see how Ian manages the company.”

“Has he talked about a permanent position for you? So maybe you can put an end to your travels?”

She turns to me, soap nearly to her elbows. “You know, you haven't asked about your brother. Are you interested in how he's faring?”

The old anger rises, but there's been enough time and distance between us that I don't have to indulge in the feeling. “I know Harris hasn't been named CEO of the company yet; that must rankle him. The old man seems to be easing away slowly from his management position.”

“I thought you'd follow the doings of the company, but they don't print everything in the financial papers. Harris continues to struggle from the beating he received three years ago. They never caught the men who were responsible. From time to time, you see an interview with an amateur sleuth who is investigating the incident, hoping to win the reward Ian offered. Until now, it appears to be a lost cause. Harris' wounds have healed well enough, but he's lost some of his, I don't know, bravado, that bigger-than-life quality he always had.”

I take the last dish from her and absently wipe it dry. Harris and I were never close. He's ten years older than me. He always seemed like an adult, no one I could play with when I was a child, or even have a brotherly conversation with. I just stayed out of his way. Life for me was better when my older brother wasn't around.

“I'm sure his old bravado will return once he has control of the company and Granda is fully retired, only to be used as an adviser.”

“Harris thinks this slow walk into the sunset is taking too long.”

“You speak to Harris regularly?”

“I speak to him at meetings and I also listen to the gossip. His complaints were quiet at first, but now they're getting louder. Ian won't talk about Harris, so all I can rely on is hearsay. I may be Ian's protégé, that doesn't make me privy to everything.”

“Where would you like me to put this tea towel?” I ask, holding up the wet cloth.

She relieves me of the item and places it on a peg. “Would you like a nightcap before you leave?”

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