“Jamie was telling us about his adventures in Inverness! Apparently he opened his own clinic!”
“So quickly?” I say, genuinely impressed. “Jamie, that’s amazing!”
I’m surprised he didn’t mention it earlier while we were working together, but I don’t point it out.
He shrugs modestly, though I can see the pride in his eyes.
“It’s going well. Slowly. And…”
He hesitates awkwardly.
“And?”
Emma jumps in with a mischievous grin.
“He met someone there!”
“That’s wonderful! Tell me everything!”
I might be imagining it, but I swear Jamie blushes slightly.
“It’s very recent. Nothing serious yet. We’ll see where it goes.”
“But that’s fantastic! You look happy.”
He looks at me with a strange expression I can’t quite decipher.
“I am. Or at least I’m trying to be.”
The music suddenly changes into something faster and more energetic. Excited shouts rise around the bonfire. Couples quickly pair off for a traditional dance.
I immediately recognize the opening notes of the Gay Gordons.
Jamie turns toward me and offers his hand with a smile.
“One dance? Like old times?”
I don’t even hesitate.
“Why not? How long’s it been since we danced together?”
“The ceilidh after senior prom, I think.”
“That’s way too long!”
I slip my hand into his and we join the other dancers.
It’s Jamie.
My childhood friend.
The boy I played outside with as a kid, the one who witnessed every ridiculous thing I did as a teenager.
The dance begins.
Jamie is an excellent dancer, but I already knew that. He spins me effortlessly, guiding me through the complicated steps, laughing when I stumble during a tempo change.
“You’re rusty!” he teases.
