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A cheerful honk had us both turning.
“Get in, lads, we’re going to the pub. I think we could all use a drink after today,” Agnes called from the driver’s seat of her car. Lia sat next to her, and Sophie was tucked in the back.
“Got enough room for us?” I asked. If Lia was going, I was in.
“Sophie can sit on my lap,” Lachlan said, opening the back door and sliding across the seat.
“Oh please, Lachlan, I can barely fit back here as it is,” Sophie grumbled, but Lachlan merely tugged her until she sprawled across his lap, and he grinned at her.
“See?”
“You dearly love manhandling me, don’t you?” Sophie pretended to be cross as I squeezed in next to them.
“There’s no way I can answer that in a car full of people without sounding crude,” Lachlan admitted.
“Knock off the foreplay, you two, or Munroe’s going to toss you out of the car,” Agnes ordered, zipping away from the castle.
“Or toss the contents of my stomach,” I said.
I was rewarded with a laugh from Lia, and I held on to that warm feeling all the way to the pub. Once there, we piled out and went to annoy Graham.
“I just love this place,” Lia sighed as we entered the Tipsy Thistle, where Graham immediately brightened upon seeing us. At least I hoped it was us and not Lia, as I’d made my interest known to Graham a few days before. He wasn’t one to poach, I reminded myself, but every time I saw him wield his easy charm from behind the bar, it reminded me how much better he was at hooking women than I was. I scowled at him in warning, and his grin widened.
“Lia, darling, I was desperate for you to visit again. Is it true what I heard? You’re not just passing through on a wee holiday?” Graham grasped her hand and pulled it to his face, brushing his lips softly across her knuckles.
Right, so Graham had a death wish then.
“The rumors are true. I’ve recruited her to open the restaurant at the castle,” Sophie said, sliding onto a barstool and patting the one next to her for Lia to join her. Agnes took her other side, leaving me at the end with Lachlan taking up the spot on the other side of Lia. I bared my teeth at him, and Graham gave me a wink.
Cheeky bastard.
“What’ll it be, love? None of that nasty gin, of course, so perhaps a nice red wine?” Graham continued to hold Lia’s hand even though she’d already settled into her chair.
“Actually, I think it’s time I tried the gin. Which do you recommend, Munroe?” Lia divested her hand from Graham’s and turned to me.
“Do you prefer sweet, botanical, or crisp?” I asked, grateful that Graham was no longer touching her, and I wouldn’t have to murder a good friend tonight.
“Hmm, not so much botanical. Can you do sweet and crisp?”
“Not a problem. I’d suggest the rhubarb gin then. Tonic will make it a touch more bitter and add the crispness, but if you like it on the sweeter side, you can mix it with lemonade or even a dash of Sprite.”
“Okay, I think I’ll try it with the lemonade. That sounds refreshing.”
“Add a sprig of mint if you have it, Graham,” I said. “Put it on my tab, please.”
“Naturally.” Graham turned to begin building drinks. He’d already placed a cider in front of Agnes, knowing her preference.
“Oh no, please, you don’t have to do that,” Lia said, turning to me. “I insist on paying my way. I can buy my own drinks.”
“Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should,” I responded, shaking my head at her. “Lia, I own the company. I’d be honored for you to try something that I created.”
“Oh, well, it’s just…I don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage of you because you do own the company. I can pay.” A stubborn look crossed Lia’s face, mixed with something else…was that insecurity? Or embarrassment? Either way, I wanted to wipe that look off her face and give her anything in the world she wanted just so she’d never have to be left wanting for anything.
“Here’s the thing,” I said, leaning slightly in front of Agnes to hold Lia’s look. “We build this into our numbers. There are a certain number of bottles that we always plan to give away, that are used for promotions, or are comped at various events. It’s part of the gig. It’s built into our overhead. This is like when you get free samples at the supermarket.”
“Well, if it’s not a big thing, then yes, I’ll accept your payment.”
Agnes was turning her head between us as we spoke, a considering look in her eyes.
