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Auntie Peigi narrowed her eyes, suddenly suspicious. “You know Donnie? Please don’t tell me he’s had his wicked way with you too!”
“What?” It was Vivi’s turn to splutter, nearly choking on her Irn-Bru. Jenn cracked up. Morag meowed in protest at the volume, or possibly in solidarity.
“Don’t worry, she doesn’t know him,” Jenn assured quickly, still laughing. “He was just commenting on our photos last night and, erm… let’s just say he’s taken a particular shine to Vivi.”
Vivi gave her best haughty look—like a scandalised duchess.
“Well, you’re a stunning lass, that’s for sure,” Auntie Peigi said matter-of-factly. “But you’re far too pretty—and far too good—for that rogue.”
“How’d he see the photos if you don’t even know him?” she added, turning to Jenn.
“Màiri posted them online,” Jenn explained.
“Ah, right. That makes sense,” Auntie Peigi mused. “You’ll probably meet him at Christmas—Donnie, I mean. Word is he’s coming home. And Màiri’s boyfriend, Dol, too—lovely lad. In fact, I think his granny and Eachann are second cousins or something like that...”
“So why does Donnie have such a reputation?” Jenn asked before Auntie Peigi could recite another family tree.
Vivi huffed beside her—though she still leaned in, curious.
“He’s just one of those lads,” Auntie Peigi said with a sigh. “He’s lovely. But he’s broken a fair few hearts round the islands before he took to sea. And now? Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s got a girl in every port. Very good-looking, mind you—but that’s no excuse. Ruairidh’s good-looking too, but you never heard the same about him.”
“Do they look alike?” Jenn asked, intrigued—and quietly relieved.
“Oh no, not at all. Ruairidh takes after Màiri, as does Cairistìona. But Donnie and Màiri-Seumas are pure Seumas MacLean.”
“Màiri’s uploaded more photos from last night!” Vivi suddenly exclaimed, brandishing her phone.
“Let me see your outfits!” Auntie Peigi leaned over, trying to peer at Jenn’s screen.
“Aww, there’s a lovely photo of the lovebirds,” Vivi crooned dramatically.
“What?” Jenn yelped, frantically opening her socials. Surely Màiri hadn’t uploaded something from the beach party…
“Don’t panic!” Vivi laughed. “I meant this one—at the dance.” She held her phone aloft.
“Oh, right.” Jenn squinted at the screen. “Yeah… I see it.”
It was a good photo. Weirdly good, considering the drink and the lighting. They were sitting close together, Ruairidh’s arm slung behind her on the chair. If you didn’t know better, you’d think they were… a couple. She liked that. It felt right.
“Oh wow, look at this one of Lizzie and Ally!” Vivi interrupted her thoughts.
“Let me see!” Auntie Peigi flapped her hand. “I’ve not had a proper look at any of these.”
Vivi passed the phone over.
“Now, they’d make a great couple, wouldn’t they?” Auntie Peigi mused. “Although I’m surprised young Alasdhair managed to look at the camera and not just stare at Lizzie’s chest. A Dhia! That’s a fine set she’s got, eh?”
Jenn and Vivi howled.
“She could give me a run for my money!” Vivi said, giving her own—very generous—chest an appreciative squeeze.
“Absolutely,” Auntie Peigi said, giving Vivi’s bosom a nod of approval. She kept scrolling, then gasped. “A Leabhra, I see why young Donnie took a right shine to you!”
Vivi raised a brow. “Which photo is it?”
“You’re a knockout, a nighean donn. But this one… hoo! You’ve got me feeling flustered, and I’m several decades past the fluttering age!” Auntie Peigi chuckled, eyes twinkling. “You both looked amazing last night. Bit risqué, mind you—but absolutely stunning. Love the fairy theme. So well done on the makeup and outfits.”
“Thank you, Auntie Peigi,” Jenn said, blushing. “Vivi and Cathy Ann really outdid themselves.”
