* * *
Deacon Brodie’s was hectic when we arrived, and I clutched Fin’s hand as he pushed through the throngs of people already there. He lifted his other hand and waved in recognition of someone, and an older, handsome man waved back.
The man and his beautiful female companion stood as we approached the table where they were, and Fin was drawn into a hug.
‘Good to see you, Fin. And you must be Star. It’s wonderful to finally meet you. Fin has spoken very highly of you.’ He shook my hand and kissed my cheek.
My skin heated and my nerves jangled. ‘Likewise, Mr McKendrick.’
‘Oh, no. Please call me Alasdair. It makes me sound so much younger.’ He winked, and I decided I liked him. ‘Fin, Star. I would like you to meet my better half, Colette.’
The stunning blonde woman leaned in and kissed me on both cheeks before giving the same greeting to Fin. ‘I’ve heard so much about the pair of you that I feel I already know you,’ Colette told us. I immediately warmed to her. She had the loveliest, friendly blue eyes that crinkled at the corners when she smiled. She was dressed in casual black trousers and a cream sweater that looked like cashmere. I suddenly felt very self-aware in my skinny jeans and off shoulder black top. As if knowing I needed reassurance, Fin squeezed my hand, and when I looked at him, he smiled down at me with a look of sheer adoration.
My heart leapt.
‘Come, sit.’ Alasdair gestured to the two empty seats.
‘So, Star, Fin tells me you’re from Indiana. Which part?’
‘I’m from a town called Fort Wayne. Well, city, actually.’
‘Oh, yes. I’m familiar with Fort Wayne. Great centre for art and culture. Colette and I travelled the USA just after we married. Fascinating place. Explains your artistic streak, maybe?’
Heat rose in my cheeks again as I realised Fin had been telling his boss about my photography. I decided to try hard to be proud instead of shy for once. ‘Yeah, my mom and dad used to love taking me to the museums and art galleries. There are so many of them back home.’
‘So what brought you to Scotland?’ Colette asked.
‘My grandparents are from here and even though I visited as a child I couldn’t remember much, if anything, so I decided I’d come and check the place out as an adult. To be honest, I arrived here and fell for the place. And now I don’t want to leave because I have my grandma here and… well Fin too. And I feel so at home, you know?’
‘Well, I’m sure Fin is delighted you stayed,’ Alasdair said with a wink towards my companion.
I glanced at Fin, and he was beaming at me. ‘I certainly am, Alasdair.’ He ran his thumb tenderly over my knuckles. ‘I don’t know about you guys but I’m bloody starving. Shall I go grab some menus?’
Alasdair patted his forearm. ‘Sounds like a good plan, son.’ Fin stood to leave the table, and once he had gone, Alasdair’s attention was back on me.
His smile was warm. ‘So, you’ll be accompanying Fin to the ball, I understand?’
I swallowed hard and nodded. ‘Y-yes. Well, that’s if I can find an evening dress that covers my tattoos.’
Alasdair frowned and glanced at Colette, who tilted her head to one side. ‘Why on earth would you want to do that, dear?’ she asked with a concerned gaze.
I sighed. ‘Oh, well... I mean, I hardly fit in with... I mean you’re all so...’ I wasn’t sure how to put my feelings into words without sounding dumb. I had never felt self-conscious about my ink, or my dress sense until I met Fin. He loved the way I looked, so that wasn’t the reason, but I somehow felt inferior. The people in his circles were all smart, suit-wearing business types. But me? Well, I’m not the type of person who usually conforms. And that had always been fine. But suddenly my coffee shop job, my crazy coloured hair and my Japanese vine tattoo didn’t feel very befitting of a lawyer’s girlfriend.
Alasdair leaned forward and pinned me with his firm gaze. ‘Look, Star, you are a beautiful and individual young woman, which is something to be embraced. Fin clearly adores you, so why do you feel it necessary to change? To cover up who you are?’
I closed my eyes, briefly trying to decide how to word my response so I didn’t sound feeble. ‘I guess I’ve never really had to try and fit in with high flyers before, and I don’t want to let Fin down. He mentioned that his parents may be at the ball, and the last thing I want to do is add to his problems there.’
Colette reached out and took my hand. ‘Darling, why would you add to his problems? You areyou. You change for no one. Least of all the Hunters.’ The way she said Fin’s family name with disdain spoke of an undercurrent of severe dislike. ‘Fin is the only one of that family you should care about, and he’scrazyabout you. He hasn’t batted an eyelid about taking you as his date because there’s no reason for him to do so. To him, it’s the most natural thing in the world. He adores you, so of course he wants you by his side. We want you there too.’ Alasdair nodded emphatically in agreement with his wife. ‘And your tattoos are beautiful. Please don’teverfeel inferior because you choose not to be a sheep. Like Alasdair says, embrace your individuality, don’t shy away from it.’
Alasdair chimed in, ‘I’m with Colette. You have nothing to prove. And thesehigh flyers, as you call them, are normal human beings, Star. They are in no way superior to you just because they wear suits and try criminals.’
Guilt washed over me at my reaction. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. I just—’
Alasdair waved his hands. ‘No, no. You haven’t offended us at all. We’re simply trying to make you see that you have nothing to worry about. Nothing to fear. If Campbell and Isobel are there then you hold your head high like Fin will. Okay?’
Fin returned and placed four menus on the table. He sat beside me and glanced worriedly around at us. ‘Is everything okay?’
I smiled as relief flooded me. ‘Everything is wonderful, Fin.’
