ScotlandxReader My Escape Chapter Three

(Name) sat at the bar with a notebook and a pen in hand. She had decided to work on her writing here, where she could be free to do as she pleased. She knew for a fact it was the right idea, whenever she was around Arthur and to a greater…yet lesser at the same time…extent Alistor. She smiled softly and jotted a few ideas down. She hated how happy he made her…even after all the drama of the years. She remembered what her mother used to tell her before she died, ‘Remember this well…one never truly does get over their first true love.’ (Name) sighed, I hope you’re wrong mom…I can’t still love that man…after what he did.

Alistor Kirkland looked at the young woman sitting at his bar, she had been there most of the day, barely nursing whatever he put in front of her. He couldn’t help but smile softly at the way she gently chewed the end of her pen. She’d been doing that since they were in school together. He actually thought it was kind of cute, this little quirk of hers. He walked over and refreshed her drink, soda, too early to drink…she had said and when he had asked why, “I do not wish to succumb to the alcoholism generally associated with the likes of authors, Alistor. I’ve told you this before.” He knew, he just liked to hear her say it.

“Still not drinking?” he asked trying to hide his smirking smile.

“You know Alistor, sometimes I think you must enjoy my telling you off?” she said with a witty grin.

“Nay, though I do enjoy how ye’ve got me brother beggin ye for forgiveness every hour or so~” he said chuckling.

“I’ll tell him I’ve forgiven him when I am good and ready, until then he can stew in his own stupidity and shame.” She said and chewed her pen.

“You sure can hold a grudge (Name), I dinnae if I’ve ever seen anyone as good as you at holding a grudge.” Alistor said with a soft shake of his head.

“You should know better than anyone about that.” She said in a stiff tone.

This conversation was over. She was still bitter about that. He sighed and walked off…it was like she didn’t think he regretted it enough. He sighed maybe he didn’t he never thought of that…he did feel bad…but it was a stupid high school mistake…a prank on her…a really, really idiotic, super mean and unfunny prank. He sighed and an older, regular looked up at him.

“That American lass give you a tongue lashing too?” he chuckled his deep brogue a match for Alistor’s own.

“Aye, one I’ve heard many a time, Mr. Anderson.” Alistor said.

“I take it ye know her well.” The old man chuckled.

“Aye, she lived with me brothers an’ I for a short time back in our school days.” The young Scott admitted.

“Oh aye, I take it ye did somethin’ stupid.” Mr. Anderson said.

“’Ow did ye know that?” Alistor asked in shock.

“Alistor Kirkland, I was a young man once…an’ I angered many a lass by being a stupid boy.” The elder said with a laugh, “Ye never truly apologized did ye?”

“I wanted to…but…” Alistor began.

“It was that bad?” the elder said clucking his tongue, “Ye dinnae cheat on her did ye?”

“Nay, we were never involved like that.” Alistor said.

“Ah, there’s the rub, ye must ‘ave hurt her deep for someone you were never involved with to hold it this long…” Mr. Anderson said.

“I never…meant to…” Alistor began.

“Ye were a stupid lad, we all were…an’ we never mean to.” The experienced man advised, “If she is still willing to speak to ye, then there just migh’ be time yet to make it up to her, really show the lass yer sorry.”

“How?” Alistor asked.

“Now, that I can’ tell ye…since I can tell ye dinnae wanna talk about what ye did…if she were ye wife or ye lass…I could…been married for oft twenty some years…I know how t’ make things smooth with a wife…but…not with an ole friend…or acquaintance…lest I know what ye did…” Mr. Anderson told him, “Speaking of marriage…I have t’ get home to me wife…she’s making her pot roast…and everyone in this village knows how damn good it is…I can’ be late or it’s cheese sandwiches for me.”

The older gentleman walked off chuckling and put his hat on. Somehow talking to that old man had given Alistor Kirkland a whole new perspective on the situation. He had to make this right. He knew that for sure.