Page 21 of Hellisay Maybe

“It wasn’t your fault,” he said, his tone softening—and dipping lower, like it had weight. “Nothing to apologise for.”

“I’m never living this down, am I?”

“Well… no. Probably not.”

There was a flicker of a smile. Jeez. None of those hunky men on the playing cards were a patch on him.

“I thought one of them was going to have a heart attack from laughing.”

They looked at each other—and finally, inevitably—burst out laughing.

Chapter 12

“…and then Ruairidh was pulling this out of the wall—” Jenn held the huge, gleaming purple dildo aloft. The room erupted.

“Sweet Nicneven. I swear this gets funnier every time.” Cathy Ann was in stitches, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“I can just see his face!” Màiri squealed. “All serious and Captain Pilot-y.”

“We’ve not stopped laughing at the airport since.” Mairead grinned. “Except when Ealasaid and her cronies are around. The three amigos will never recover.”

The party was in full swing. Jenn had been nervous about mixing the groups, but the dildo story had smashed any lingering awkwardness. Cathy Ann was in her element, Màiri and Lizzie were already topping up glasses, and Abigail had everyone howling with laughter. Mairead had turned up, flanked by several friends whose names Jenn had instantly forgotten. Basically, everyone needed a night out—and they were absolutely up for it.

The bubbles were flowing, the cocktail jugs were emptying at a worrying pace, and Jenn suspected she'd end up with more booze in her cupboard than when the night started. A mountain of MacWongs was spread buffet-style across the kitchen counter. Even Auntie Peigi had popped by for a few glasses and to steal some starters before declaring herself “too old for this nonsense” once the Moon & Mischief games began. Thankfully, they stayed on the right side of cringe. There were plenty of belly laughs and only the occasional red-faced giggle when certain toys made their debut.

Jenn was definitely going to have to get Vivi and a couple of the other girls up at some point. Everyone would get on so well. And she was even going to do Vivi proud tonight and order a couple of sexy matching underwear sets—why the hell not, eh? Although she was trying to steer clear of the leopard print ones. She kept thinking of Ruairidh’s sure fingers unpicking the fastenings…

Nope. Jenn took a steadying glug of fizz.

“Tarot cards!” she heard Abi shriek with delight.

“Come on then, you mad woman. I take it you’ll be first,” Cathy Ann said indulgently. “Now, it’s up to you if you want to do it here or in private. No pressure. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.” She began unfolding a rich purple velvet cloth to reveal a beautifully ornate deck of tarot cards.

“Ach, I don’t care. I’m happy to do it here.” Abi grinned.

“Right, I’ll go make another round of cocktails then.” Jenn stood up. “We all in?”

“Yes!” came the chorus of female voices.

“I’ll come and help you,” Lizzie offered.

“Me too,” said Màiri—original Màiri, Ruairidh’s sister. To distinguish from the other Màiri who’d arrived tonight. Thank goodness there wasn’t too much overlap this evening. It always got confusing when she was trying to keep track of island gossip—so many Màiris, Margarets, Anne Maries, and Eilidhs. And then the men: Anguses, Seumases, Allys, Donnies. There were way too many people with the same name for an island of this size.

“This has been so much fun, girls!” Màiri exclaimed, pulling Jenn and Lizzie in for a spontaneous kitchen hug.

“It’s definitely the most fun I’ve had in ages,” Lizzie said. “Thanks so much for inviting me.”

“Thank you for coming.” Jenn beamed. “You ladies have been incredible. I can’t believe I’ve been here for two months now.”

“Wow, it’s really flown in, eh?” Lizzie said. “And I’m getting there with my headstands.”

“The Force is strong in you, young Padawan,” Jenn said, laughing. She really was so proud—and slightly in awe—of how well they were all doing.

“Oh, that reminds me,” Jenn said, “are Cairistìona and MT coming out later?”

“Probably not,” Màiri replied. “They’re up at the children’s events just now and helping out with other bits, so they’ll probably be knackered by the time we head up. But I’ve promised them we’ll have a proper night out soon.”

“Definitely. Right then, what shall we make everyone?” Jenn said, eyeing the drinks table.