Page 120 of Storm in a Teacup
“Very,” Nick agrees, appearing lovingly amused by Piper’s excitement over Linny’s name. “So, how’d you guys meet?”
Linny and I look at each other, considering whether we’ll tell the real version. Or, the whole version, rather.
“We met on a bench,” Linny finally says. “We were both having a bad day, and he made me feel better.”
“Me as well,” I agree. “But then we ended up opening the café next to Linny’s antique shop and re-met.”
Piper covers her heart with her hands. “Ugh, that is so cute. Like destiny. Did you start dating right away?”
Linny laughs. “No. Not at all. Well, actually, in a way, I guess? My cousin Melanie was getting married in Edinburgh and Ineeded Ben to be my date for things so I wouldn’t be alone. Everything got better from there.”
“That’ssocute,” Piper says again.
Nick adds, “Yeah, that’s really nice.” His brow furrows. “Linny, you said your cousin’s name is Melanie and she just got married in Edinburgh?”
“Yeah?”
“That wouldn’t be Melanie Riedel, would it?”
“Well, Melanie Parker now, but yeah? Do you know her?”
Nick grins. “Yeah, we work together. I’m in the St. Louis office and she’s in London, as you know, but we collaborate constantly. I actually met up with her last June when she was in Edinburgh visiting…” He laughs as a realization hits him. “When she was visiting her cousin. I assume that’s you?”
“Yeah, the one and the same. This is insane. What a small world.” She cocks her head to the side. “You know what, I think she mentioned you to me a few weeks ago. She was feeling guilty about not inviting her American co-workers to the wedding and said that one of them even had a sister who lives in Edinburgh.”
“That sister would be our dear Rachel,” I say.
Nick smiles. “Yeah, that would be me. I hope she doesn’t feel too guilty since I would have declined. Pip and I are already planning a trip back to Scotland in June. To visit Rachel and…” His eyes widen before he coughs and adds, “that’s it. To visit Rachel.”
Piper narrows her eyes at him, but doesn’t address the odd end to that sentence. “And hopefully to actually get on the Jacobite this time.”
Rachel laughs from behind us. “I will be driving, so we will make it this time.” She says to Linny, “Don’t let them give you a long speech about the troubles of electric vehicles in Scotland.They have a list of grievances.”
“Ugh,” Piper argues. “A list of accurate issues with the number and quality of charging stations. We have nothing against electric cars as a concept. If you get traumatized by something, I think it’s valid to warn others.”
Linny laughs, looking lost. “Well, my eye doctor advised me against driving, so I don’t think that will be an issue. But I will make sure Ben heeds the warning.”
I kiss her temple, then turn back to Nick and Piper. “I think we’ve stolen enough of your time. We’ll let you be. Talk to you guys soon.”
We stand up from the chair together, and Linny adds, “It was nice to meet you!”
“You too!” they both say, Piper a tad more enthusiastically than Nick.
Rachel slides back into our seat to finish her goodbyes with them.
I ask Isla, “Who else is coming?”
“Corrine and Madison. Aileen and her boyfriend. David and Callum. David is bringing wine.”
I click my tongue. “You should have mentioned that. I would have told him which kinds to buy.”
“He knows what you like.”
“But he doesn’t know what Linny likes.”
Linny cuts in, “Linny is not picky.”
My arm snakes around her waist. “A little picky, though, right?”
