Is Jenny still gluten-free?
MAM
As far as I know.
MALCOLM
Can you ask her what the best gluten-free bread is? And the best gluten-free anything.
MAM
Sure. Planning a diet change?
MALCOLM
Thanks, Mam.
I go to type more but decide to call. She’ll make more of this than there is if I’m not extremely clear about what’s going on here. I head toward the stairwell and hit call.
11
Makenna
It’safterlunchtimewhenMalcolm and I pull up right in front of his bright green front door. His home is toward the middle of a row of connected stone flats. We’re in his nice, and neat as a pin, silver sedan. Guess he doesn’t eat in the car. Since he’s into going above and beyond, he returned my rental car for me this morning, so I won’t have to pay for it to just sit here while I’m unable to drive.
“Here we are. Home sweet home. At least for now,” he says.
I smile at him and look toward his place again. It’s charming.
He jumps out, rushes around to get my door, and helps me out. I need more help getting around than I thought I would. Even standing from the car has me wincing.
“Doing alright, lass?” Malcolm asks as he takes the hand he’sholding and threads my arm through his.
“I believe I’ll make it.” I smile up at him, and it’s nice to have someone to smile up at. I’m used to being taller than or about the same height as many men. I’d be having dreams of a Scottish romance, if he weren’t so far out of my league.
My heart squeezes as Ross’ ever-present voice fills my mind.
Don’t tell them you’re a wedding planner. I told them you work in finance.
I think I’m going to go by myself. Maybe you can go for a long walk while I’m gone.
I try to leave Ross at the door as we step into Malcolm’s house. It is coziness personified. I wouldneverthink a man lived here alone. Not that it’s overwhelmingly feminine; it’s just the coziness that a woman would more likely set up inside a home.
“This is a really great place,” I say as he leads me over to a soft-looking dark grey couch.
“My mam and sister did all this. They said it needed to be welcoming. I think they just wanted to be comfortable when they come to visit.”
“Mission accomplished,” I say, settling onto the couch. “Do they visit often?”
“They do. My entire family lives within twenty minutes of here, except my sister Fiona, and she likes to stay here when she comes to visit.”
“It's nice that you’re close with your family.”
He sits down on the other end of the couch. “There have certainly been days I haven’t loved it, but generally, it really is great.”
“I bet. I always wished for a big family.”
“Who knows? Maybe you’ll have one someday.”
