Page 39 of Storm in a Teacup
“Everyone I love has an aggressive caffeine addiction,” she says gravely.
Isla pushes out of the swinging door to the kitchen. “And how was Linny?”
I attempt to hide the shock on my face. I did not tell them who I was going to London with. “She’s wonderful,” I answer, eyes narrowed. “Who told you?”
Isla smirks, leaning back against the wall as she assesses me. “David said something about you and her dating. Also, Linny’s aunt came in yesterday and mentioned she was in London for a joint hen and stag do. You said you were going for a last-minute stag do. Doesn’t take a genius.”
“That’s a lot of conclusions to jump to,” I gripe into my mug.
“Aye, and you confirmed them when you answered how Linny was.” She whacks me on the arm. “So, what’s up with that? Are you seeing each other?”
I consider telling them the truth because I am not looking formore people to lie to, but I can’t tell them the truth, then lie to David. Especially because it would come out that I lied rather quickly. David and Rachel are close. And once they discovered I lied to him, I would have to explain why. So, I do lie and say, “Sort of.”
Rachel snorts. “You went away together for a weekend. Feels like more than sort of. Why haven’t you said anything about her?”
I try to tell as much truth as I can. “Because it’s new.”
Isla and Rachel exchange a look. I hate when they do that.
Isla asks, “So you decided to take a spontaneous trip to London for a hen and stag do of a couple you don’t know with a woman you just started seeing? That’s weirder than when you were driving here from Newtonmore practically every other day.”
I groan. Okay. Fine. So, when I was figuring out the David of it all, I was coming to Edinburgh a lot to visit him. And Isla. I dispersed my time. But Newtonmore is a two-hour drive one way on a good day. Yes, it was mad. But driving all that way gave me a lot of time to think. I needed a lot of time to think.
I ignore the comment about the drive and say, “Her ex-fiancé is in the bridal party. He’s a proper arse. Partners were allowed to attend, so I offered to go as support. I like her, so why would I not?”
Isla groans back at me. “You are always doing nice things. It’s bloody annoying.”
Rachel makes a face. “You say that likeyou’renot constantly doing nice things for people.”
“Yeah, but I do it more quietly.” She loops an arm around Rachel’s waist.
“Sure.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket, so I pull it out, grateful to have a distraction from this conversation. I smile when I see thatthe message is from Linny.
LINNY: Home
She included a picture of a cat sitting on her chest. Most of the photo is overtaken by gray fur, but I can see her crystal blues peeking out from behind the cat.
Isla distracts herself from her girlfriend long enough to glimpse over my shoulder at my phone. “Who’s that?”
“Oscar Wilde,” I say, remembering the name of her cat.
Isla nods in approval. “Dead queer icon texting you. That’s cool.”
I let out half a laugh. “I just came to check on my kitchen and get a head start on tomorrow.”
I pivot around the counter, heading to the back and taking my coffee and suitcase with me, feeling thoroughly done with the conversation about Linny. The café will be closing soon, so I put in my headphones and pull out flour, butter, and sugar, more than ready to lose myself in this bake.
…
A few days later, Linny and I are set to meet at the restaurant where we’re having dinner with David and Callum. I have not seen her since we separated after the train station. I kept meaning to run over and bring her a cup of coffee or a muffin or something, but the café has been busy. Thankfully, I suppose. She hasn’t stopped by either, so there’s that.
I arrive at the restaurant and take a peek inside to see David and Callum already seated. I pull back from the window, figuring I’ll wait for Linny out here. She approaches a little while later and smiles when she spots me.
“Are we waiting for David and his boyfriend still?” she asks.
“No. They’re in there. I was waiting for you.”
