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Before I can process that we’re actually going to do this, Neil suggests we address the crowd to introduce the song, and Iona elbows me to indicate this duty should fall to me.
Awkwardly I clear my throat. “Hello! If I could have your attention for a moment, please.”
Conversations trail off as people turn to me with interest. Damn, I so wish I’d had some alcohol to give me courage for this.
“Er, as I’m sure you all know by now, we’re lucky enough to have Iona back in Bannock, and she’s making a great addition at Bannock Vets.”
There are a few cheers, and glasses are raised in Iona’s direction.
“I’m sure we all remember her brother, Aidan, was pretty adventurous growing up. Hell, he now runs Bannock Adventures with my brother, Ally, so there you go. Iona, though, always had a reputation for being a bit of a bookworm, but she’s so much more than that—she can be daring too. It’s time we all saw there’s another side to her, which is why we’re going to start off tonight’s entertainment with a song. If you know the words, please join in. It’ll help drown out my terrible vocals.”
There’s a ripple of chuckles.
I turn to Neil. “All right. Ready?”
He nods then the band plays a short musical intro. Iona leans close to me and says, “We’re singing the clean version, by the way.”
“Er, aye. Of course.”
And then it’s time for us to sing, so we do.
Gin a body meet a body
Comin’ thro’ the rye,
Gin a body kiss a body
Need a body cry?
I’m nervous and stiff, but Iona goes for it with abandon, her voice strong and clear. She first sways as she sings and then does a jig on the spot. Her energy is infectious, and soon the whole pub is clapping and singing along. As their enthusiasm builds, my self-consciousness fades, and when Iona loops her arm through mine, we spin together ceilidh-style, the room whirling around us in a blur of laughter and music. Grinning, I belt out the rest of the song with a new-found surge of confidence.
Gin a body meet a body
Comin thro’ the glen,
Gin a body kiss a body
Need the warl’ ken?
It’s a good question: need the world know if two people kiss (or fuck, depending on which lyrics you prefer)? Well, they never did know about me and Iona.
When we get to the end, there’s applause, and Iona, beaming, grabs my hand, lifts it into the air, and bows, like we’re a rock band lapping up the appreciation of a loving crowd. It’s a tad over the top, but hey, if she wants to hold my hand, I’m not going to stop her. From the bar, Maisie whoops and grins.
Iona lets go of me then leads the way to our table, receiving a number of pats on the back and encouraging words from those she passes.
“That felt good!” she says, sitting again. “Great idea, Lewis. I have officially reinvented my image.”
“Er, right. Well done.”
“I’ll have to go soon—I’m working tomorrow—but I’m buzzing after that.” The bands starts up the next song, and Iona taps the table along to the music.
I’m also working tomorrow, like every day, and I’ll have to get up early to prepare breakfast for the guests. But I’m not going to be the one to suggest we wrap things up.
Maisie walks over and sets down a lager in front of me. “This one’s on the house—your payment for the entertainment. And for you, Iona . . .” She places down a glass of water. “I thought you could do with this. You did say you weren’t going to be having any more wine.”
“I did,” Iona agrees, eyeing the glass glumly.
As soon as Maisie leaves, I take a greedy sip of lager. Mmm, the smooth, malty richness and slightly bitter undertone hits just right. Man, I’ve definitely earned this after that song.
