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Hayley shook her head, smiling.

“Just documenting your trip. Adventures in a chip shop.”

“Keeping it real.”

“You certainly are.”

“Do you mind if I order?” Hayley said, under her breath.

“Not at all, go ahead.”

“Hi,” Moira said. “What would you like?”

Hayley piped up, “May we have two fish suppers please? One with salt and vinegar and one with ketchup.”

Moira didn’t bat an eyelid, used to the many tourists in here no doubt. “Aye, okay. Give me a wee minute.”

Hayley giggled and gave Anna a small, cheeky smile. She was so cute. Frustratingly cute.

Anna carried the bag of steaming hot food housed in white boxes and paper back to the house as Hayley fell into step beside her. Her neighbour Joyce was in her garden. She was crouching down and making it look effortless, as ever. Balbuinidh’s resident yoga teacher was at least double Anna’s age but easily twice as flexible. Joyce was a local legend and total inspiration.

“Hey, Joyce,” Anna said, holding the gate open for Hayley. “What’s that yoga pose called?”

Joyce turned and looked up at her and Hayley. “Hiya, this one is called letting a bug out of the house-asana.”

It was then that she noticed the cup in Joyce’s hand. They laughed.

Joyce stood, glancing between Anna, Hayley, and the branded bag from the chip shop. “Dinner for two?”

Anna smiled. “Yep. This is my friend Hayley, from the US. Hayley, this is Joyce, my pal from next door.”

“The famous American! Welcome to Scotland!” She smiled warmly.

Joyce was such a great next-door neighbour. She was friendly but not invasive and fairly quiet. Joyce was also very entertaining with her choice of garden ornaments such as a giant frog, numerous buddha statues, and a naked woman. As soon as Anna had met her, she had felt instantly at ease and at home. She was proud to introduce her to Hayley.

“Anna told me you were coming over. I hope you have a great time.”

“Thanks! I’m very excited to be here.”

“And travelling around Scotland? What a wonderful thing to do.”

“I feel very lucky. It’s been a dream of mine for a very long time.”

Joyce pointed to the plastic bag Anna was holding. “Sampling our finest cuisine, I see?”

Hayley laughed, politely. “When in Rome.”

God, Hayley was so cute.

Joyce laughed, warmly. “I like your style. Now go eat, before that gets cold.”

They sat at the table by the window with their food.

“This is so good,” Hayley said. “There’s nothing quite like this back home.”

“That’s probably a good thing. It’s basically a heart attack on a plate.”

“Anna! Don’t spoil my moment!”