Makenna
Malcolm was gone when I woke up this morning.
He’s working a twelve-hour shift, from six in the morning to six at night.
So I’ve headed out for the day to walk around the city centre.
The scent of the river breeze mixes with roasted coffee as I walk down Church Street. The River Ness is just out of sight.
Inverness city centre is a mix of Victorian stonework and more modern buildings. The sights and smells, paired with the overcast day make me feel cozy in the best way. It’s not that I’m against sunshine, but a cloudy day will always get my vote.
I step into a bistro in search of lunch. I don’t usually just show up at restaurants, but I’m hoping I can order something basic and be okay. The hostess takes me to speak with the chef, who is, thankfully, extremely helpful. I order salmon with a veggie hash.
Mai would be particularly proud of the veggie hash. I ate almost half of it.
I resume my walk after lunch and almost miss a local art gallery. A painting draws my attention just as I step past the window. It’s a beautiful Highland landscape featuring mountains, a river, and patches of purple heather. I may not be in the market for art, but that won’t stop me from looking.
Among the many paintings and pieces of pottery, I find a display of hand-woven tartan scarves made from local sheep’s wool. If I had to choose one souvenir from this trip, it would be one of these scarves.
When I look closer at the tags, I find that each is marked with the clan to which the tartan belongs.
I wonder if there’s one for Clan Robertson.
I search and find a beautiful dark red, forest green, and navy scarf labeled: Clan Robertson. Would it be weird if I get this one? Surely he’d think it was fun. Yes. I’ve decided that buying my super handsome Scottish host’s tartan is fun, not weird.
I make my purchase and spend the rest of the afternoon walking around the city, ending at a flower stand and buying a bright and cheerful bouquet. I hope Malcolm likes flowers, or at the very least isn’t allergic.
“So you’re living with this guy, and you’re cooking him dinner for the second time? You know you’re not his servant, right?” Mai's voice is filled with a combination of concern and outrage. As if Malcolm is holding me against my will and forcing me to cook for him.
“Of course I’m not. You know I like to cook. I’m sure he won't want to cook when he gets home. He’s on a twelve-hour shift.”
“You should be out vacationing! He doesn’t normally have you there to cook. He’ll be fine.”
“I’m happy with the vacationing I’m doing. I’m not ready to be out taking big hikes, or long tours anyway. I just had surgery. And he’s enhancing my vacation with him being a local. I just want to be kind.”
“Alright. I just had to make sure. So speaking of your Scottish savior … last time we were on the phone I asked for a picture ...”
“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I forgot to send it! He actually asked to take a pic of the two of us, right after we hung up. Hang on, I’ll send it to you.” I send Mai the photo, then touch the chicken I have cooling on the counter to see if it’s cool enough to handle. It is.
“Do you see it yet?” I ask. I put Mai on speakerphone and sit the phone on the counter, then grab two forks and get to work.
“Oh my gosh. You’d better make dessert too.”
“Mai!” I smile.
“I’m just saying. Wow. And if you’re to be believed, he’s also the nicest, most caring man on the planet.” She sighs, dramatically. “I really don’t want to lose you to Scotland, Makenna.”
This makes me chuckle. “I don’t think there’s any danger of that.”
“Girl, of course there is. You’re obviously into him.”
I set down the forks and push the chicken aside, then head to the fridge for the veggies. “Yeah. Who wouldn’t be?” I call, hoping the phone picks up the sound. “But he lives here.”
“People have moved for less,” Mai sagely informs me.
I sigh and begin peeling the onion. “That’s true. But really? He would never be into me. You saw him. I’m—”
“I’m gonna stop you right there before you say something stupid. You’re amazing and stunning. I don’t know how you don’t see that. Actually, I do know. Stupid Ross. That guy was a moron to the highest degree. He didn’t realize what he had. But I’m sure Malcolm does.”
“Mai. I love you, but you see me with rose-colored glasses. I know Ross is an idiot, and treated me terribly, but Malcolm is so far above him, in every way. There is no chance that Malcolm—or any other solid ten on this earth—would ever see me with anything other than friendly interest. And that’s fine. I’m glad to have Malcolm as a friend.”
“Oh, you precious dum dum.”
“Hey!” My eyes are burning and watering like they’ve been sprayed with bleach. I should always buy pre-chopped onions. I don’t know why I do this to myself.
“My money says he falls for you before your trip is over.”
I step away from the onion and wipe my eyes. “Oh yeah? How much do you wanna bet?” Since I’m unemployed now, I could use the cash. And this would be the easiest money I’d ever make.
“Five hundred dollars.”
I choke on nothing. “You have enough faith in my looks and personality to put five hundred dollars on the line?”
“Yep.”
“You’re doing this to help me out since I’m unemployed, aren’t you?”
“Definitely not.”
“Alright, well, that’s still ridiculous. I’m not taking your bet. But I’m glad to know you like me and think I’m pretty.” I say it with a laugh, but Mai comes back completely serious.
“I love you and I know you’re pretty. And, trust me, Malcolm does too.”