Page 3 of Highlands Homecoming

Melissa stood and gave him a hug.

“Angus! I love your place. It’s fantastic. I love the decor. I love the atmosphere. And the music is absolutely you.”

“Thanks. I try to make it feel like a little bit of Scotland here in Boston. The parts I miss the most,” said Angus as he pulled up a chair. “You’re not back here permanently, are you? Not that we wouldn’t love to have you.”

“No, I’m just here to get my ducks in a row before I finalize all the paperwork to stay in Scotland,” said Melissa.

“Grand. It really suits you. And your home is wonderful,” said Angus.

“Right on Loch Ness. My eleven-year-old Scooby-Doo-watching self is thrilled. Heck, my present-day self is thrilled!” said Melissa.

Her gaze lifted to the wall behind the bar where the infamous grainy black and white photo of Nessie hung. She was aware that this particular photo had been debunked as a hoax, but she appreciated that Angus was a believer. After all, what's life without a little mystery and wonder?

The waiter brought their drinks. “Anything for you, Angus?”

“I’m good, thanks.” Angus got up. “Back to the salt mines.”

Caitlin gave him a quick kiss. “Stop back later?”

“Of course.”

They sipped their warm drinks and looked out the window. The city bustled with pedestrians—families with strollers, dog walkers, and some ambitious joggers bundled for the cold.

Melissa scanned the rest of the Iron Brew, taking in every detail of the bar area. The walls were adorned with exposed wood and bricks, each one decorated with paintings of breathtaking Scottish landscapes. Highland cows and sheep grazed peacefully in the scenes, while maps of Scotland and photos of notable Scots added a touch of history to the room. A cozy stone fireplace crackled in the corner, casting a warm glow over the fifteen wooden tables scattered throughout the main restaurant area. The air was filled with the comforting smell of hearty food and chatter from other patrons, creating a welcoming atmosphere. “This place is just perfect. If I had come here before finding out about Greenhill House, I might have never left!”

“Not true. I truly believe that house and that land are your destiny,” said Caitlin.

Melissa threw back her head and laughed. “Who are you, and what have you done with my practical, no-nonsense friend Caitlin?”

The waiter returned with their orders. Melissa’s plate had thick slices of brioche drizzled with sticky toffee sauce, topped with a whipped toffee butter, with blueberries sprinkled over the top.

Caitlin’s full Scottish breakfast included eggs, potatoes, white pudding, black pudding, and a tomato.

As they finished their breakfast, the snow started falling harder. “It’s beautiful out there,” said Melissa, watching the giant flakes cascade to the ground. They were beginning to stick. “The last few winters, we’ve hardly had any snow.”

“I know, right? We might actually live up to our reputation for snowy New England winters again.”

Melissa dug around in her purse for her credit card, but Caitlin shook her head. “Angus won’t allow it.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

Caitlin shrugged. “He’s a proud man.”

“Well, I’ll have to leave a hefty tip.”

“That’s the way.”

“Except I don’t have any US dollars,” Melissa said, flushing.

“I’ve got it.”

“How ridiculous. You’re driving me around. You’re hosting me … I’ll get dinner.”

“No worries, Melissa.”

They left a hefty tip for the server and thanked Angus before walking back to the car. Melissa pulled her relatively thin coat around her. “I bet I’ve got a better coat and snow boots in storage.”

“Do you wanna go there now?” asked Caitlin.