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Emily leans close to my ear and, speaking neither subtly nor quietly, says, “Hmph! I was excited about seeing Grace again, but she’s just been giving me a hard time and spoiling my good mood!”

I shoot a glance across the table at Grace, unsure how much of that she heard. I’m curious what she’s been giving Emily a hard time about, but Emily doesn’t give me a chance to ask.

“We’ve been drinking for ages, so you’ve got some catching up to do. Jamie! A pint for your brother, please! And some more wine for us too!”

Meeting Jamie’s gaze, I indicate our guests and give a subtle shake of my head. He nods and pours a beer for me then brings it over.

“I’m afraid we’ve run out of red behind the bar. I’ll fetch some more from the basement.”

“Thanks, Jamie!” Emily beams at him, oblivious that this is an excuse to delay giving her more alcohol.

As Jamie heads off, most probably to take a break and play some video games, I have my first sip of lager, savouring the cold, bitter taste.

“Down it! Down it!” Emily chants.

David quickly joins in, although Grace stays quiet.

Oh, bloody hell. I was hoping for a chilled Sunday evening, but not wanting to be the party pooper, I lift the glass and chug the beer, not stopping till it’s all gone. There are whoops, cheers, and claps from Emily and David, and I can’t help but grin. I wipe my wrist across my mouth, the lager warming my stomach, but then I glimpse Grace’s pursed lips, and I’m hit with an uneasy feeling. Something is up.

“Mate, that is what I like to see!” Aidan appears behind me and pats my shoulder. He’s smarter than usual, in a blue shirt and dark jeans.

“Grace, David, this is my friend, Aidan,” I say. “I hope you don’t mind, but I invited him along.”

Aidan shines his easy-going smile at them. He holds out his good hand to David, who stands and goes in for a hug instead.

“Wow, Aidan, you’re strong too!” David comments. “Now, if you and Ally could just put on some kilts, that would be a dream come true.”

“Yes! I’m desperate to see this one in a kilt.” Emily slaps my thigh. “But so far, no luck!”

“Strictly on formal occasions only,” I say regretfully. “Otherwise, the lassies would never be able to concentrate. And nor would some of the lads.”

I wink at David, who grins.

Grace also gets to her feet and hugs Aidan, but her body language is stiff and awkward, which Emily notices.

“Why the long face? You’re being hugged by a good-looking Scotsman, Grace. Enjoy it! You’re spoiling the atmosphere.”

“I’ve got a long face because I’m worried about you!”

“There’s nothing to be worried about. I’m great!”

Shaking her head, Grace sits back down, as does David. Aidan joins us at the table.

“Er . . .” I scratch the back of my neck. “Grace, what is it that’s bothering you?”

She snorts. “With all due respect, you.”

Shit. I wasn’t expecting that.

Emily drunkenly points at her. “You encouraged me to get together with Ally!”

“No, I encouraged you to have a physical relationship with someone to help you get over your ex. I specifically warned you against having an emotional relationship. But”—Grace leans across the table and taps Emily’s nose with her finger—“that’s exactly what you’ve done!”

Emily giggles, which seems like an odd response, but then she is drunk. As for me, I’m sweating. David and Aidan both give me awkward smiles.

Have things gone too fast between me and Emily? I didn’t mean to rush her, but with us living in the same building, and with her having time on her hands since she’s here on holiday, maybe we have moved too quickly. Have I messed this up?

“Aidan, come with me and I’ll get you a drink,” I say.