Page 5 of From Scotland with Love

“But we can’t have it next year,” came a small voice.

“Why can’t you? I can be there and help with everything if I have time. Does Gran know about this?” Lori couldn’t imagine her gran allowing such a quick wedding. It all sounded insane.

“We just can’t, OK.” Tammy sighed, the cheer lost from her voice.

“Well I can’t come home at the drop of a hat! I work in New York, Tam!”

The other end of the line was quiet for some moments.

“Tammy?” Lori called out, worriedly. “Are you there?” There was another sigh, and a small grunt.

“OK... if you must know, Alan’s parents are very religious, so... we need to get married soon. You see I didn’t say -” She paused. “I’m... I’m pregnant and his parents would be just hideous if they knew it had happened before we got married!”

“Oh!” Lori was taken aback, her head was beginning to spin with all the announcements. “That’s great too… I mean about the baby!” She stammered, unsure what to say. Was her sister actually happy she was going to be a mother?

“Thanks; it is good! The thing is, we’ve not lived together - his parents had stipulated we should get married before we live together, and as they live so nearby, Alan wanted to keep a good relationship going with them. They’ve done so much for us. It’s just... well, they don’t even think we’ve had sex! I think they reckon we’ll wait until the wedding night...!”

“Oh, come on!” Lori laughed at the situation, despite herself. “In this day and age, there’s no way they can possibly think that they can control their son’s sex life! I’m sure you’re mistaken Tam, they’ll be thrilled you’re pregnant!”

“No Lori, they aren’t like that. They are lovely people, but I don’t want to start our marriage on the wrong foot. They’ve been really kind to me; I can’t do it to them. We’re having the wedding next month, that’s it – I’m sorry. Look, I’m sure work will give you time off, when was the last time you took a real holiday to see us?”

Lori didn’t want to admit it, but she was sure it had been a long time since she had had a proper break. Could it be two years? Was that even possible? Maybe she was already on the same track as Alex, without realising it. Almost at her apartment, she chewed the inside of her lip. “What about having it in August - or even July?” She clutched at straws, hoping her sister would reconsider.

“We can’t. Alan is away on the rig for July and August, and any later than that I’ll be showing big time.”

Lori remained quiet.

“Please Lori, I need my big sis!”

“You have Jean too!” Lori wondered what their older sibling thought of this situation. But, as she was a single mother to two girls, and worked as the local school teacher, she was sure Jean didn’t have a whole lot of spare time to even help out. Lori would need to go, but how could she leave her job at such a time? She walked up the steps to her front door then leaned against the handrail. The phone still glued to her ear, she closed her eyes; her sister on the other end waiting for her answer. “OK - I will see what I can do.”

“Oh - yes, thank you thank you!”

“I can’t promise anything mind you!”

“But you’ll try, and I know that you’ll do everything in your power to get here! Love you!” Her sister rang off leaving Lori numb, standing outside her apartment building.

Tomorrow was going to be awful; Frankie would announce Alex’s resignation and that they all needed to pull together and take on more work, respectively, for the foreseeable future. And Lori was going to add to their problems, the worst timing to ask for a holiday! Oh how everyone was going to hate her!

4

“You’re leaving?” Michael looked at Lori wide-eyed, as she took a sip from her martini. They were sitting at the counter of their favourite cocktail bar, which was fast becoming flooded with office workers, eager to find a spot for their well-earned after-work drinks.

“I’m not leaving, I’m just taking a break. A vacation.” She let the effects of the alcohol wash over her.

Michael raised his eyebrows. “A vacation? It sounds like your sister is clicking her fingers and having her way again!”

“Oh come on, it’s not like that!” Lori had had a long day. After discussing her situation with Frankie straight off the bat, she had spent the rest of her time working at full pelt. All the while feeling as though she was letting down her whole team. To her surprise, however, Frankie had suggested that perhaps a break would be good for her.

“I’m so sorry Frankie, my sister needs me...” Lori had warmed to her boss even more at her understanding.

“I know you wouldn’t ask unless you had to,” Frankie sighed, as Lori stood in front of her desk. “Though I won't say I’m particularly thrilled about it. But in this business there’s no right time for anything. There’s always something! It’ll still be like this in a few weeks when you come back, I’m sure!” Frankie gave her a small smile. “What’s more, my receptionist tells me you haven’t logged a holiday for well over a year. I have to give you the time off!” She turned in her swivel chair and stood up.

“Thank you, Frankie. I can work off site. Just call me, I’ll be available!” Lori bit her lip, trying to contain herself, slightly in shock that she was getting the go-ahead.

“I might just take you up on that - but in the meantime, I want you to give a handover to the other buyers, and to your assistant.” Frankie walked towards her with a wry smile. “I can’t imagine Julian will take this too well!”

“Frankie, we have a meeting with the board!” The spectacled receptionist had popped her head around the door, urging her boss to follow her upstairs with a gesture of her pen and pad.