He thought for a moment.“Aye.I’m good at it.Every time I acquire a business, it’s a puzzle to pull apart.See what makes them tick and where each division can be best categorized.”
“Good.There are so many people who never find their niche.I’m glad you found yours.”
“What about you?”
“Oh, I’m definitely in the latter.No idea what I want to be when I grow up.”
He chuckled.“Well, I’ve always known I would take over from my father, but when he unexpectedly died, I had to quickly step into his shoes.”
“Did he teach you all you needed to know?”
“Aye, and nae.I grew up alone, with tutors that never lasted because my father didn’t want anyone discovering our dual nature.”
It made her curious that he never mentioned his grandmother or her.“What about your gran?”
“I don’t really remember that.There’s a period of time, after my mum died, that I’ve blocked out.My da was ...he was an angry man.”
Everything he didn’t say screamed louder than words.She hadn’t known he’d been abused as a child.Maybe that was another reason their grandmothers forced their marriage instead of letting it happen naturally.Maybe they wanted someone to be a shoulder he could lean on.
“Your parents have passed, too?”
“Aye,” she replied softly.“My gran three years ago.”
He glanced at her sharply.“The time you moved to America?”
“Right after,” she answered cautiously.“Several things led to my extended stay here with Keegan.Her death was one.”
“Was I the other?”
She gave a one-shoulder shrug.“Like I said, several things.”
He didn’t repeat the question, and then a moment later they ended up at the diner.The crowd wasn’t as thick as it would be once dinnertime hit, so they were able to get a booth in the back.
“Hello, you two.”
Mairi immediately bowed her head to greet Luna Payton.As a visiting guest, Tavish gave the same curtsey.
“What can I get you to drink while you look over the menu?”
“Tea, please,” Mairi ordered.
“Same.”
“Be right back,” Payton said and winked as she turned.
“The dinner I had here the other night was excellent,” he murmured as he perused the menu.“Some meat dish I’ve never had.”
“Meatloaf?”
“Aye, that’s it.I’m going to get that again.”
“Wayne, the cook, is amazing.Most of what’s on the menu is his own creation.”
“Don’t go stealing Wayne from us,” Payton said teasingly.She placed two teas in front of them.“What will you two have for linner?”
“I think we’re both going to order the meatloaf plate.”
“Excellent choice.”Payton smiled.“Shouldn’t be too long.”
