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Er, did I miss something?

Cat

Lewis, you need to stop asking about Iona at every opportunity. It’s embarrassing.

Ally

Mortifying.

Jamie

So cringe.

Lewis

*middle-finger emoji*

Ally

Cat, it’s great Iona is looking out for you, but her usual clients are the four-legged kind. Do you need to see an actual doctor?

Cat

Relax, Ally! Like I said, it’s just a cold. I’ll be fine!

Ally

All right, well, if you’re sure . . . Get some rest, okay?

Cat

Will do! *waving-hand emoji*

Mentally making a note to check in with Cat later, I pop the climbing gear in the car. When my phone pings again, I assume it’s another message in the McIntyre Clan Group Chat, but it’s not. It’s from Aidan.

Aidan

Are you still taking Emily out climbing today?

Ally

Aye, I’m getting ready to go now.

Aidan

Amazing! So . . . I was talking with Maw, and she said she’d like to invest in our business.

Ally

WTF? I said no to the business! And we are not taking your maw’s retirement savings.

Aidan

Mate, I know what’s best for you. *winking-face emoji* And I’ve no quibbles about using Maw’s savings. We’re going to MAKE her money because our business is going to be a huge success!

Ally

FFS, Aidan! YOU’VE got time on your hands. YOUR maw’s willing to invest. YOU do it!