43
Makenna
Malcolmpickedmeupfrom his parent’s house bright and early this morning, and the day has passed in a flurry of kisses, sight-seeing, and practicing for the gig.
We’re back at the pub where we met, eating dinner before we go on stage. I’ll join Malcolm for the first three songs, then he’ll take over. I told him I’d rather get my part over with, so I can enjoy the rest of the night. He said I shouldn’t want toget it over withbecause it was going to be the best part of the night. We’ll see.
I ordered the bangers and mash again, thinking I loved this last time. But as our server sets it before me, I feel suddenly nauseous.
“Are you alright, sweetheart?”
“I think my brain associates this with how I felt when I was getting sick.”
“Ach, no wonder you look a bit green. Here, swap with me.” Malcolm slides his plate, grilled trout and fries. “I’ll go ask about the chips, and double check about the fish.”
He hops up before I can offer to do it myself. I watch him walk toward our server, and I’m once again filled with gratitude. For the girl who doesn’t like to make a fuss about things, but often has to, this is such a big deal.
“You’re good to go, lass.” Malcolm takes his seat with a grin. “Although, I didny think ... do you like trout?”
WillI like it?I’m gonna do my best. “Probably. I usually like fish.”
“Okay. We can get you something else, if not.”
As it turns out, the trout is edible. I don’t eat the entire piece, but Malcolm doesn’t let it go to waste. How he made space for it after practically licking his plate clean makes no sense to me. He’s wiping his mouth when a group of three older women approach our table.
One wearing a purple fedora adorned with a white feather speaks. “Malcolm! We’re looking forward to your performance.”
“Hello, Aileen,” Malcolm addressed the woman in the hat then nods at the other women. “Ladies. This is Makenna.”
“Nice to meet you,” Makenna says.
“Oh, what a cute accent,” one of the women says. “Pleasure meeting you too.”
“Wait a second. I recognize you. Were you here at Malcolm’s last show?” The other woman asks.
“I was.”
“Oh, he couldn’t take his eyes off ya, girl,” Aileen says, clearly intrigued. “Is Miss Makenna your girlfriend then, Malcolm?”
Malcolm swings his gaze to me. We haven't talked about it, but now he’s asking me with his eyes. I smile.
“Aye. This lovely lady is mine.” He looks back at the women who are smiling and giggling like children. “And I’m hers.”
Aileen fans herself. “Oh, I could positively swoon!”
That makes two of us, Aileen.
Malcolm reaches across the table, takes my hand and places a soft kiss on my knuckles, looking quite satisfied, then he looks back to the women. “If you’ll excuse us, we’re preparing to go on.”
“Both of you?” Aileen practically squealed.
“I’ll just be joining him for a bit, then it will be Malcolm as usual,” I tell them.
The women smile down at me, eyes alight. “Let’s go get us some good seats,” Aileen says.
Malcolm, who still has hold of my hand, kisses it again. “I already know this will be my favourite gig I’ve ever played.”
I stand and pull Malcolm to his feet. “Mine too.” I place a slow kiss on his lips.
