“Of course I’m not. You know I like to cook. I’m sure he won'twantto 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.Andhe’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 onspeakerphone 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’msureMalcolm 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 seeme 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 Iknowyou’re pretty. And, trust me, Malcolm does too.”
22
Malcolm
“Sohowarethingsgoing with your house guest?” Rory tosses his gloves into the bin after mine. We’re walking out of an exam room where a little probing led to a toddler letting out the most impressive gas I have ever heard. It seems he was more gas than human when he came in.
