Page 55 of Snowflakes Over Micklewick Bay

Hannah turned to head in the direction of the romance section when a voice stopped her in her tracks. ‘Hannah?’ She turned to see Lachie looking down at her. It triggered a host of butterflies making a bid for freedom in her stomach. ‘I thought I recognised your voice.’

‘Lachie.’ This was the last place she expected to see him.

‘Have you moved back to Micklewick Bay?’

‘No, not yet.’

‘Not yet?’ Interest flickered in his eyes. ‘So you’re planning to?’

His question caught her off balance. ‘Yes, I am.’ Why did you have to go and say that? Surely it was better if he didn’t know where to find her.

‘Ooh, this kilt-wearing fella must be Lachie.’

They both turned to see Birdie bustling over to them like she meant business. Hannah didn’t know whether she should be concerned or relieved to see her. But something about the determined look in her neighbour’s eye told her she should go with the former.

‘Well, come on then, Hannah, aren’t you going to introduce us properly?’

‘Er… yes, of course.’ She glanced over at Lachie to see his mouth twitching. He’d clearly sensed it too. ‘Lachie, please allow me to introduce my neighbour, Birdie. She was my Auntie Coll’s best friend.’

‘I’m delighted to meet you, Birdie.’

‘And I’m delighted to meet you, too.’ His smile had her all of a flutter. She treated him to her most charming smile in return, fiddling with her hair as she did so. ‘And I hope you don’t mind me saying how fabulous you look in your kilt.’

‘Thank you.’

‘I hope you don’t mind me asking but⁠—’

‘Birdie!’ Hannah’s eyes flew wide open.

Lachie stifled a snort beside her.

‘What?’ Birdie looked most put out. ‘I was only going to ask if the wool it’s made of is scratchy, that’s all.’

Lachie threw his head back and let out a roar of laughter that attracted the attention of other customers nearby.

‘What kind of question is that, Birdie?’ Hannah mouthed him an apology.

‘It’s something I’ve often found myself wondering about,’ Birdie said, doing a bad job of feigning innocence.

‘I can’t believe we’re having this conversation.’ Hannah glanced up at the clock on the wall. ‘Anyroad, looking at the time, I reckon you need to calm your jets before the author reading.’

‘I’ll have you know, there’s nothing wrong with my jets and they certainly don’t need calming.’

‘That, Birdie, is a matter of opinion,’ Hannah replied.

‘There’s an author reading here?’ asked Lachie, his interest surprising Hannah.

‘There is; it’s Jack Playforth and Jenna Johnstone. I’m told they live locally.’

‘No way? I love Jack’s writing – and I was addicted to the series that was based on Jenna Johnstone’s books; it was hilarious. If I’d known they were doing a reading tonight, I’d have bought a ticket. Maybe I can still get hold of one.’

‘I think they’re all sold out. I bought the last two.’ Hannah wasn’t sure she had the mental capacity to cope with all the questions that would ensue about Lachie. More than that, she had a sneaking suspicion Birdie wouldn’t be averse to a spot of meddling and matchmaking. And Hannah knew for certain she wasn’t ready for that.

Lachie looked crestfallen and despite herself, she found herself feeling sorry for him.

Quick as a flash, Birdie said, ‘You can have my ticket. I’ve already told Jean I’ll help her since they’re a member of staff down cos Florrie’s mum couldn’t make it tonight. I’ll still get to hear the reading even if my bum’s not on a seat.’

After a bit of toing and froing, it was settled that Lachie would have Birdie’s ticket – Lachie clearly felt uncomfortable at taking it, but she was so insistent, he had to admit defeat and accept that he was fighting a losing battle; there was no way Birdie was going to back down on this one.