Page 7 of Highlands Homecoming

Caitlin parked in the structure underneath the Boston Common, and they emerged to the grand park blanketed in soft, giant snowflakes. Melissa tucked her hair into a lavender knit cap and wrapped a matching scarf around her neck.

Melissa’s phone rang. It was Colin.

“Hey, Melissa ...” Melissa drew in her breath at the sound of his lovely Highland accent, as she always did. “So, you’re coming to Boston?” he said with amusement.

She flushed with embarrassment but was grateful that he was always so laid back and understanding. The complete opposite of Dave.

“I don’t know what I was thinking trying to surprise you at work like that. I’m so sorry,” said Melissa.

“It was a wonderful idea, just bad timing. And, well, you know how Dave can be.”

“No kidding.”

“I get off at six tonight. Shall I meet you and Caitlin for dinner?” asked Colin.

“That would be wonderful. I’m so sorry,” said Melissa.

“It’s okay. I just hope you’re all right. Meghana said he really had you rattled,” said Colin.

“Yeah. I’m good,” said Melissa.

“See you soon.”

Melissa hung up and took a deep breath.

“Does dinner at the North End sound good?”

“You know, thinking of you and Colin and all that amazing Italian food, I’d rather let you have your Lady and the Tramp spaghetti moment. I can sit at the bar at the Iron Brew,” Caitlin said with a playful twinkle in her eye.

“You sure?”

“Absolutely!”

As they walked down Newberry Street, Melissa and Caitlin passed by rows of colorful storefronts, each adorned with unique window displays. The boutiques and high-end stores they visited were filled with racks of clothing in all different styles, and the cozy corner cafe had a homey atmosphere with wooden tables and chairs and a cheerful view of the snow-covered park.

They each ordered a coffee and sat at a table by the window.

“Shopping therapy works every time,” said Caitlin.

Melissa looked at their collection of little bags and packages. “You’d think it was Christmas,” she said, sipping her coffee.

“Nothing like January sales. You’ll probably be needing winter hats and gloves well into March in the Highlands,” said Caitlin. “So what have you missed most?”

Melissa thought for a moment. “I mean, mostly friends and family. You always hear about Americans living abroad and sending away for American foods like peanut butter or something. But really, anything I want is available, and if it’s not, I can order it. That said, it’s good to walk down a familiar street and know what the shops are.”

“What do you want to do next?” asked Caitlin, biting into a biscotti.

Melissa thought about it. She’d lived in the Boston area for a while. “Well, I think I’ve done all the touristy things: Paul Revere’s home, the Old North Church, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, the Freedom Trail …”

Caitlin nodded. “What’s something you can only do in Boston that we haven’t done?”

She thought for a moment. “Duck boat tours?”

“Not in this cold!”

“Museum of Fine Arts? Isabella Stewart Gardner museum?” Caitlin asked.

Just then, Melissa’s phone buzzed. Dreading the idea that it could be Dave, she didn’t even want to look at it. It buzzed again. Then it rang. Melissa reached for her phone, then breathed a sigh of relief. It was her sister, Emma.