Page 78 of Lochlan

Geordie leans into me. “Well done, I didn't think you had the eloquence.”

“Haud yer wheesht, cousin,” I mumble under my breath. He hears it, shakes his head, and laughs.

“I’ll not shut-up, cousin. You should be used to my musings by now. Let's see what else Layla has in store for us.”

She's assigned us a job in the buffet line. Geordie, Fiona, and I are all issued an apron and are ordered to serve food to the long line of employees. She explains we'll be doing a bit of role reversal today. That it's good for everyone to see that management is willing to humbly pitch in.

I don't mind working on the line; it's the small talk that gives me a tough time.

Geordie seems to do banter with ease; the big poser normally initiates the conversation. It's better the employees encounter him at the beginning of the line and me at the end. Fiona is stationed in the middle of the serving line, but somehow through all the chaos of people moving through, she’s standing at my elbow.

Patricia, one of the wine tasting associates, is standing outside the line chatting loudly with other employees. She's proficient in wine and never misses an opportunity to display her vast knowledge. She's also a horrible gossip.

I'm trying to hurry along someone who can't decide if they want a potato or salad.

Geordie notices the woman's quandary and points his serving spoon at the mound of silver-wrapped potatoes. “You can't go wrong with a wee potato. It's healthy and chock full of potassium.” She smiles at Geordie's attention and requests the potato. I oblige, using my tongs to drop the slippery item on her plate, and she moves along.

I'm confronted with another employee trying to make a different culinary decision when Kenzie joins the line. I didn't know she'd be here today. I thought that after our time in the mansion a few nights ago, she'd end all contact.

Kenzie's wearing a dress too fine for a picnic lunch. She looks like a celestial being among mortals and I ache to be with her again.

I'm filling another request for food while stealing glances at Kenzie. I absently toss a roll on a plate when Connell joins the line next to her. She's laughing at something he's saying. He's entertaining her with his masculine charm and standing too close to her, as if there's more than friendship between them.

I convince myself not to react and turn to someone extending their plate, asking if the beef is grass fed.

“Lochlan,” Fiona whispers in my ear. “You've got to move quicker on these requests; the line is backing up.”

I nod, spoon a serving of beans on a plate, and sneak another look at Kenzie and Connell as they move closer to my station.

Employees continue to move along until she's gazing up at me. “What will you have, lass?”

“Chicken and salad, please,” she says with a shy smile. I place the requested fare on the plate and hand it to her. She gives me a wide grin of thanks. I mumble, “You're welcome,” the same response I give all the employees moving through the line.

Fiona is filling Connell's food order. He's asking questions about the beef. What is it with these people that they need to know every uninteresting fact about their meal? One day someone is going to ask me the animal's name before I place the food on their plate.

“I was hoping to see the two of you here,” Patricia says, glancing around to see who's paying attention…and it's everyone.

“It's an appreciation lunch,” Geordie jokes, “it's not a stretch that you'd find us all here.”

She ignores his humor and looks straight at me. “Maybe I shouldn't be surprised to see Lochlan and Fiona together after that heartfelt declaration onGood Morning San Pacitas. When were you going to announce to the winery staff that you two lovebirds are back together again? It's all over social media. Some people have posted old photos of you together; they've dubbed you Lachona.”

Fiona sidles next to me and links her arm with mine to address Patricia. “It wasn't a surprise to me. I'm just glad it's finally out.”

Kenzie glances at Connell instead of me and he gives her a silent confirmation. Then she turns away with him close behind her. I think they'll leave together, but they find a seat away from the others. She staring down at her plate, shaking her head, her hair hiding her face. I can feel the disappointment from here, while Connell sits close, attempting to give her comfort.

I can't give in to an angry impulse and pull her away to talk. Later, I'll make her understand that it's a mistake, but will she believe me?

Employees are over the shock of Patricia's announcement and resume moving through the lunch line. I'm receiving congratulations along with meal requests, turning it into a receiving line. My mood grows darker, while Fiona's becomes more buoyant.

When the last worker has received their food, Layla allows us to serve ourselves. I step away from Fiona, yank the apron from my body, ball the cloth up, and stow it under the counter, ready to follow through on my impulses. Kenzie is still speaking with Connell. I decide to stride toward the couple, until a big hand clamps onto my shoulder and stops me from moving.

“We don't have time to do whatever you're planning. I've received a message from Granda, and he wants to have a conference call in twenty minutes. That's just enough time to set up the call.”

I shrug off his hand, still focused on Kenzie. “I've got something to do first.”

“No, you don't. Leave the lass until you can talk to her alone. You'll only make matters worse if you talk to her now.”

“Did you get the message from Ian?” Fiona asks.

---