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Jenn nearly choked on air. “I’m sure he just meant… the cakes. Nothing else. He’s barely there.” Jenn’s hand gave a helpless little flick, as if she could scatter the words like crumbs. Oh, for God’s sake, stop talking, Jenn.
Màiri’s smile went slow and knowing—the kind that screamed, I’ll be circling back to this later. “Mhm. Cakes. Sure.”
Ally chuckled, clearly amused by the exchange but gentlemanly enough not to poke. “What can I say? Hellisay’s a small place—word gets around.”
“Apparently so,” Jenn muttered, cheeks warm.
“Wait—you’re MT’s brother, the Clan Chief?” Lizzie exclaimed.
Jenn could kiss her for that save.
“Not quite yet. I’m just the heir… Elizabeth,” he replied with a mock bow. Even so, Jenn caught the intensity in Ally’s eyes as they met Lizzie’s. Interesting.
“Oh my God, I didn’t realise that was seriously a thing,” Lizzie said, wide-eyed, a little breathless, her gaze still fixed on Ally.
“Haha, yeah—we try not to rub it in.” Ally grinned. “We do a Clan Gathering every five years. You’ve probably not been here long enough to see one?”
“Just over a year,” Lizzie replied.
“Well, stick around, Elizabeth. The next one’s the Easter after next—and my coronation.” He winked at her.
Lizzie laughed, a flush creeping into her cheeks. Her reply came out a touch too airy. “That sounds amazing. Weird—but amazing.”
Jenn stifled a laugh. Lizzie was definitely tipsy—less shy, more sparkly. A very different version of herself. Shame she was with David. Judging by the way Ally’s gaze kept drifting back, he had definitely noticed Lizzie.
At that point, the rest of the girls arrived, armed with bottles of bubbles and enough glassware to start a wedding toast.
“Bloody hell, you can barely move in here!” Abigail exclaimed. “Oh—hey, Ally! Welcome home. It’s been a while.” They exchanged hugs.
“Ladies, I’ve got us a booth!” Anne Marie called from across the room.
“Yay!” came the chorus as they began to shuffle through the crowd.
“You lot okay for drinks?” Ally asked as they moved off.
“We’re good now,” Màiri said cheekily. “But you can send over some bubbles later.”
“Haha, I’m at your service,” Ally replied, just as a couple of guys came over and swept him into back-slapping hugs. “Lovely to meet you both. I’m sure I’ll see you around.” He gave Lizzie one last, slightly-too-long look.
Yup. Smitten kitten, Jenn thought with an amused smile.
“See you!” they both called, and made their way over to the booth.
“So, how do you know him?” Lizzie asked, sneaking a glance back.
“Oh, I’ve known Ally my whole life,” Màiri said. “He’s basically a third brother. He and Ruairidh have been best mates since nursery.”
“Oh my God, wait—do you think he’s hot?” she said with a wicked little smile.
“Well… a girl can look,” Lizzie said, ducking her head, but her grin gave her away.
“Haha, I love it!” Màiri cackled. “Shame you’re taken—he’s single. Though every lassie on the island will be after him now that he’s back for good.” She winked at Jenn. “Maybe you should get in there first.”
“All hoping to be Clan Mistress of Hellisay, eh? I’ll pass, thanks.” Jenn lifted her brows and gave Màiri a mock-salute.
“What are you three gossiping about?” Abigail interrupted, sliding into the booth.
“I’m just telling them about Ally,” Màiri said.
