Page 11 of Highlands Homecoming

“So wonderful to meet you both,” said Colin, shaking hands with Emma and Thomas.

Suddenly, the reality of not seeing her sister other than a few quick visits a year overwhelmed Melissa. “Please don’t forget to call or FaceTime.”

“You know I will,” said Emma.

“You’ll forget?!” asked Melissa.

“I’ll remember, you goof!” said Emma, swatting her sister.

Melissa began to blink back tears, and Emma hugged her again. “Hey, I’m just a phone call away. And I’m not busy. Let’s get together tomorrow, too.”

“Good idea. Somehow this goodbye felt so final.” Melissa fanned her face, hoping the tears gathering in the corners of her eyes wouldn’t fall.

“Mel, I’m right here. Only a phone call away. Just like Caitlin,” Emma said, reassuring Melissa, just like she had been doing since they were young.

Melissa took a deep breath. “You’re right.”

Still a little emotional, Melissa followed Caitlin and Colin down the snowy sidewalk to their cars.

“Maybe we can grab dinner in the North End tomorrow night after work?” asked Colin.

“I’d love to.”

He gently brushed her neck with a kiss, leaving Melissa wishing she could never leave him.

“Why did I get so excited about living in Scotland when everyone I love lives here?” Melissa wondered aloud.

“Everything’s going to be alright,” said Colin. “See you tomorrow?”

She nodded and pulled herself away from him and got into Caitlin’s car.

Melissa could barely speak as Caitlin backed up the car.

It’s one thing to impulsively go after your dreams, Melissa thought to herself as Caitlin drove.But it’s another thing to take time and consider the consequences.

Chapter5

The next day, Colin had trouble focusing at work. Meghana noticed him getting up for his fourth cup of tea and finally laughed. “Mr. MacGregor, you never take vacation time. It’s Friday. You have no meetings, no appointments, and as far as I can see, you’re completely caught up since your trip. That nice woman is in town, and, if I may be so bold, I think you should spend time with her.”

Colin set down his Earl Gray. “You’re right.”

“I know I’m right,” said Meghana.“Go on. Get out of here.”

“I expect you to take a day full of … whimsy. Or whatever it is you enjoy,” said Colin awkwardly.

She laughed, but he looked at her seriously. “I appreciate this. You’re right. All I do is work.”

“Work isn’t everything … Although you’re my boss, so I should be careful saying that.”

Colin laughed.

“Come on, Colin. Live a little,” Meghana insisted, her words hanging in the air as he shut down his computer and packed up his briefcase.

She arched an eyebrow, and he looked down at his briefcase. “You're right. I don't need this,” said Colin.

“Exactly. Leave it behind. I'll take care of any emails that come through,” said Meghana.

“Nope, you should take some time off too. Have you ever had tea at the Boston Public Library? Or lunch at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum? Use the company card. Seriously. My treat.”