Page 18 of From Scotland with Love

“You know my cook?” Hector placed a napkin on his lap and offered Lori the plate of sandwiches, all perfectly cut in triangles with crusts removed.

“Yes, she has sons around my age.” Lori placed a few salmon pieces on her plate.

“So - as I was asking previously, you don’t live here in the village now?”

“No I live in New York actually, I’m just home for a visit.”

“Oh New York! I do enjoy the city. I try and go there once a year. I have some investments there, so I like to go and check up on things now and then. I have some family there too actually, so I try to kill two birds with one stone and all that.” He winked at her, and continued working his way through the plate before them.

“That’s interesting! Yeah it’s fabulous there. I work for a fashion label in Manhattan.”

He looked impressed. “Well done you! Lovely place, that’s where I stay when I go over there.”

Of course it is, Lori thought.

Hector spoke a little about people he knew in New York, and then what he planned to do with the Arlochy estate house in the near future. “I think I might rent it out to people, like that Air BnB company – remote online bookings, you know. It’s a bit big for just me now - well, unless I get married and have kids!” He scoffed.

“So you don’t have any weddings here at the moment? It seems quiet.”

“No, I leave the area at the start of July every year, then my house manager comes in and takes over the running of things. That’s when I allow the wedding season to commence; I like to be away from all that business. So I’m in London for the next few months, then onto New York.” His eyes flashed up to meet hers: “Perhaps we could arrange a meet up when I’m over there?”

“Um, yeah sure!” At this moment Lori thought she really should mention her boyfriend Michael, but time was passing and she wanted to talk about the wedding. “Hector, I wonder if it might be possible to have a wedding here on say the 1st June? I know it’s last minute, but we’d appreciate it and would work to any conditions you have”

His facial expression suddenly changed to one of cold confusion. “Oh, you are getting married? You’re here just to see the house for a booking?” He stood up abruptly, making Lori stand too, in response.

“No no, it’s my sister who is getting married, I’m just helping organise it all.”

Hector put his hand on the table, steadying himself slightly, and looked at her coyly. “Ah - that is good news then. It’s your sister who is getting married. Well well, a local girl.” He crossed his arms and then put one hand to his mouth, considering the situation. “I will still be here at the house, but I’m sure I could make myself scarce for the day. But I will need to consult with my manager briefly, to see if it’s possible.”

“Oh please, that would be just amazing Hector.” Lori clasped her hands together with relief. “We'll take anything you can do, because at this rate she’ll be using the local hall unless someone takes pity. And I think this would be the perfect venue!”

His eyes lit up at her enthusiasm. “Well of course, let me check. Would you like to see around the place?”

“Yes please!” Lori felt a rush of excitement as she looked around the exquisitely luxurious house. Each room surpassed her expectations. There was a large study, library, dining room and an even bigger lounge. The spaces were exceptional, and Lori saw that whoever Hector's estate manager was, they had done well in utilising such a dramatic household as a commercial venue. Her sister and gran would be so pleased with her after hearing what she had been up to today, and she was equally satisfied knowing that she would be helping make the wedding a more confirmed success. Hector had taken down her number, and promised to message her with details and confirm dates, and to Lori’s delight after minutes of walking back to her gran’s house her phone beeped:

“Manager says date is available for wedding. He will be in touch in the next few days. Perhaps we could meet to discuss, I could show you a few romantic spots for the photographs.”

Lori almost jumped with joy. Still got it, she grinned to herself. Feeling triumphant and ever so proud of her productivity, she knew who she must tell immediately. Leaning against a tree, and keeping phone within signal, she dialled Michael’s number with slight anticipation. He answered, bright and breezy on the phone, much to Lori’s surprise after their last conversation.

“Michael darling, I am so thrilled!” She announced dramatically.

“Hi Lori, how are you? What happened?”

Lori gave an inward sigh of relief at his usual phone manner, things were good between them after all. “I’ve just booked a beautiful manor house for Tammy’s wedding. You should see it, it is stunning! It reminds me of that weekend we spent on Lake George, at that luxury château, remember? Well this place is even better - I wish you could see it!” Lori rambled, still excited from the news.

“Well done Lori. Well if anyone can make things happen, it’s you” He said warmly “I’m actually having coffee with Matthew and Veronica.”

Lori could hear his companions say hello in unison. Michael had often arranged catchups with the pair, a power couple who he had liked to bounce ideas with. Lori enjoyed their company, they were fun, lively and always interested in Michael’s opinion. They would take them to the new and exclusive restaurants that the city boasted, and be on the guest list for every event. But as much as Lori liked their company, she often felt a subtle rivalry between them, as if she were taking part in some competition that she was continually losing.

She bid farewell to Michael, Matthew and Veronica, while she headed home feeling altogether satisfied with her day so far.

Gran had made dinner preparations that evening inviting the family over again to eat in the back garden. Large-stemmed candles and small tea-lights trailed down the middle of the dining table, creating a soft glow as the pink sky above faded to dusk. Lori was excited to tell everyone the news; how she’d bagged the most beautiful wedding venue in Scotland in the space of a few minutes. But in the meantime, she tried her best to keep it as a surprise until she felt the moment was just right. Tammy and Alan arrived, holding hands as they stood out on the veranda and sipping at bubbling glasses. Lori saw that Tammy’s glass was filled with sparkling water, and wondered if anyone else had noticed that detail too. Lori topped up Jean’s glass and made sure her nieces had a fruit juice each. Gran clattered pots and pans in the kitchen as everyone began chatting in earnest, and then the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it!” Lori shouted, and ran to the door, grinning as she caught her gran swearing under her breath, hoping no-one had heard. Standing on the porch was Callum, in a fitted black shirt and light trousers. He was effortlessly handsome, though clearly he didn’t know it. Lori swallowed a small lump in her throat.

“Hi.” He seemed nervous, and Lori noticed a tremble in his voice. “Your gran invited me tonight,” he looked down to Lori’s hand, “but it seems I might’ve already missed the party?” He chuckled a little as Lori blushed slightly, remembering her hand was clasped firmly around an extra-large champagne bottle.

“No no, I’m just serving this now. You’re just in time actually. Come in.” She let Callum walk in front to the kitchen as she got him a glass. Why had no one told her Callum was coming? It’s like everyone forgot the fact that he was her ex! He presented her gran with a box of chocolates and laid a bottle of red wine on the counter, giving the old lady a kiss on the cheek and a hug. Even Bracken walked right past Lori and waddled over, tongue out in delight to welcome their new guest.