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22
LACHLAN
Sam Chalmer patted me on the back. “Hey, it’s been a while. I looked for you at the Red House.”
“I’ve had a few issues to deal with.”
“You’re the hero of the moment. I heard how you saved Ollie.” He shook his head. “It’s sad, though, isn’t it? I’m relieved Miles didn’t go in.”
We were in the Thornhills’ lush gardens, and Miranda joined us.
I introduced the two of them and added, “Sam’s one of our neighbors. He runs a local brewery.”
He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Pleased to meet you. I think this is a first.” His smiling eyes shifted over to me again.
“A first?” Miranda asked.
“You’re the first girl Lachlan’s invited to one of our little get-togethers.”
Miranda smiled, a hint of a blush touching her cheeks. “That’s nice.”
I squeezed her hand gently.
“So, where’s Juni?” I asked.
“She’s with Clarissa somewhere. Probably talking clothes, as usual.” He chuckled.
“Sam’s wife, Juniper, is an amazing designer. Remember that shirt with the dinosaurs that you liked?” I asked.
Miranda nodded. “Sure do. Did she make that?”
“Her partner prints the fabric, and Juni designs. She’s got a local shop. I’ll introduce you.”
“I’d love that.”
Aidan was standing with Ollie, holding a beer and chatting with Miles Chalmer.
I touched Sam’s arm. “I’m just going over to see Ollie.”
Miranda walked by my side, her hand in mine. “Harriet’s amazed that they asked her to become his private nurse,” she said.
“So was I. At least he’s almost himself again.”
We walked over to the terrace, but when I spotted Juni and Clarissa, I changed direction. “I’ll introduce you.”
Clarissa wore a white dress with red roses and had her hair up in a bun, a red rose that matched her dress clipped to it. As always, she looked striking. She was smiling brightly.
“Hey, Lachlan.” Clarissa turned to Miranda. “So nice to see you here. Welcome.”
Miranda smiled. “It’s lovely being here. The gardens are exquisite.”
I turned to Juni. “This is Miranda. She’s a great admirer of my dinosaur shirt.”
Looking as colorful as ever, Juni wore a crimson dress with sewn-on blue-and-yellow flowers. With her long, golden hair hanging in braids, she reminded me of a sixties flower-child.
Clarissa and Juni were two very creative and earthy individuals, which was a refreshing change in our normally overdressed, designer-obsessed neighborhood. And Miranda matched them in individuality and earthiness.
Juni kissed Miranda on the cheek. “Lovely to meet you.”
