Page 70 of Death on a Scottish Train

Is he asking me out on a date? I’m sure my eyes were wide as saucers.

“Uh.” I couldn’t quite form a sentence as my mind traveled in so many directions at once it was impossible to answer intelligently.

Why me? That was the real question I wanted to ask. He was good-looking and wealthy and sometimes went out with beautiful Sottish celebrities.

“It’s for a children’s charity,” he said quickly. “If I bring a date, then I don’t have to worry about my mother trying to fix me up with the daughter of one of her friends.”

I chuckled. “I see. That’s so flattering.”

He sighed again. “I’m making a mess of this. To be honest, there isn’t anyone I’d rather go with.” He cleared his throat. “That’s what I meant to say. You’re intelligent and beautiful. I’ll be the luckiest man there.”

He was being sweet. It was odd, but I smiled. “Is it black-tie?”

“It’s my mother so very formal, yes.”

“I see.” Then I frowned.

“What is it?” he asked.

I glanced down at my phone. “I can’t remember if I volunteered for something with the festival on Friday night.”

I pulled up my calendar on my phone. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to find I was already busy or not. I liked Ewan, more than I would ever admit, but he made me nervous.

Friday was enjoy-the-carnival night, which I’d already been to with the rest of the gang.

“I guess, I’m free.”

“Good. I’ll pick you up at six, and it will be a late night. You might want to pack an overnight bag. We’ll stay at my mother’s.”

“OK.”

“Thanks, Em. You’re a good one.” He shut the door and then went to the other side and hopped in the SUV.

He drove away.

I stood there like an idiot staring after him wondering if I’d just imagined the whole scenario.

A few minutes later, I headed into the pub and sat down at the bar.

“Earth to Em,” Mara whispered.

I shook my head. “Sorry, were you talking to me?”

“Asked for your order. Is everything OK? I heard what happened at your place last night. You should have called. I would have stayed with you.”

“Oh. It worked out. Ewan stayed and everything is being taken care of.”

“Well, I’m glad you weren’t there. I hate to think of what might have happened if you were.”

“Well, I hadn’t thought about that until now.” I chuckled.

She made a funny face. “Sorry. Is that why you look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Do I?”

“Aye.”

“No. It’s just that …”