Page 23 of Closer than Ever

“There’s a touch of citrus. Definitely,” Hayley said, eyes laser sharp and focused on Anna.

Anna nodded. “Very good.”

Hayley finished the rest of her small taster, not taking her eyes off Anna. Goosebumps prickled at the back of Anna’s neck.

“Right. Onto the next one,” Anna instructed the group. They played the tasting game for a bit longer, taking time to chat and letting the group enjoy the space. The group filtered out into the main bar, finding seats that suited them. Some loitered at the bar, choosing what to order from Greg. Anna and Hayley stood by one end of the bar.

“This place is stunning,” Hayley said. “What an amazing environment to work in.”

“It is pretty nice.”

Hayley looked her right in the eyes. “It suits you, working here, doing your whisky tasting. You look hot doing it.”

Anna’s mouth fell open. Had Hayley really repeated what she’d said to her over a decade ago on her bed in their student flat? How had she remembered that? No. It couldn’t have been linked. That would be madness. “Thanks.” That was all Anna could formulate.

“I love your job. You get to talk to people from all over the world, show them what you love and help them have a great time. I think this might be my dream job. I’m not kidding.”

“Well maybe you should work here.” Anna couldn’t believe that had slipped out. She’d never thought of it before.

Hayley’s eyebrows shot up. “You know that’s not a bad idea. Got any jobs going?”

The thought of it made Anna lightheaded. Having Hayley in her space everyday would be a nightmare. So why was she even considering going on this trip with her?

“I think we’d work great together,” Hayley said.

“I’m not so sure about that.”

“How come?”

“You’re a wee bit too chatty. We would never get any work done.”

“We would! This place thrives on a good atmosphere, surely?”

“True, but I know how to control myself. You”?Anna got lost in Hayley’s eyes for a second before composing herself?“would be a liability.”

Hayley laughed. “No I wouldn’t. I’ve had practise holding my tongue in a million boring corporate meetings. I can be professional, Anna.”

“I know. Sorry. I’m only kidding.”

“Seriously.” Hayley held her eyes this time, causing a kind of gooey feeling to come over Anna. “You’ve found a job that nourishes your soul. You’re ten times more successful than most people I’ve met. Good for you.”

It was a bit strange talking to your wild friend from university like a grown up with life experience. But it was good. Anna just wished her physical reaction to Hayley would subside. “I don’t know what else I’d do now. Glenbuinidh has been very good to me. I’m not going anywhere.”

“You’re loyal. That’s a wonderful trait.”

“Right then. Do you want a drink?”

Hayley grinned. “Thought you’d never ask.”

Anna went behind the bar, feeling Hayley watch her every step and walking that bit taller. Hayley’s compliment had really boosted her.

At home, later that night, sitting on the sofa together, Hayley’s cheeks were flushed, probably from a little too much whisky at the distillery. They’d been talking and laughing for hours. It had been a wonderful evening.

“Okay, you night owl.” Anna yawned. “I’d better get to bed. I’m kicking you out into my room. You can sleep as late as you like, but just know I’ll be secretly judging you.”

Hayley laughed. “How will you know if you’re at work?”

“Oh, I’ll know.”

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