Page 20 of The Highland Game

LochNLoad

I need to step up at work, bring in more customers, maybe even poach some from the competition down the road.

I read it once, twice, three times. With each reread, it hits me a little harder, like someone squeezing my chest tighter and tighter until it’s hard to breathe. “The competition down the road” can only mean one thing: the Pheasant. The snug and the Pheasant are the only two drinking establishments in Bannock itself. Sure, there’s the Glen Garve Resort a few miles out with its posh cocktail bar, and the distillery nearby with its tiny tasting room, but here in town? It’s just us and them.

Which means . . . Jamie is planning to steal customers from the Pheasant? From me and Da?

My thoughts trip over each other. Is telling him who I am really such a great idea when he’s just announced he has plans to sabotage my business? Maybe I should try to find out more first.

SassyLassie

That’s a shame you won’t have as much time for gaming, but that’s interesting about your work. How are you planning to bring in new customers?

There. Casual. Breezy. Totally not fishing for information or anything like that.

LochNLoad

LOL. I only got given the ultimatum a few minutes ago. Give me time to think this over. Also, we don’t normally share personal details like that, remember? Just our secret kinks.

SassyLassie

Right. Of course.

LochNLoad

So . . . the bombshell? The revelation? The news that’s so big it’s going to change everything? What is it?

Oh God. Right. That.

I chew on my bottom lip so hard it’s a miracle I don’t bite clean through it. Shit. He’s got me there. I did say I had something to tell him—and now he expects me to deliver.

SassyLassie

Oh . . . never mind. It wasn’t important after all.

LochNLoad

What? But you said it was very important. You were literally worried about how I was going to react.

Crap, crap, crap, crap, crap.

SassyLassie

I was just being dramatic. You know me! It honestly wasn’t such a big deal, really.

LochNLoad

???

My conscience shrieks at me: Maisie! Tell him who you are. Be honest!

But then another voice chimes in, the practical one that sounds suspiciously like Da: You’ve just found out he wants to take customers away from us, Maisie! Are you sure telling him is wise right now?

Before I can decide which voice is right, a loud crash echoes up from downstairs. What the hell was that?

SassyLassie

Sorry, something’s come up IRL. Got to go!