CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONE – THE NEW WAITER

Charlotte embraced Richard tightly at the Glasgow airport, trying to etch every detail of his face into her memory. "I'll miss you terribly," she whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Richard cupped her face tenderly. "And I, you. But it's only for a fortnight. We'll be together again before you know it." He brushed a stray lock of hair from her cheek. "Promise me you'll stay out of trouble, love." She managed a half-smile. "I'll do my best, but you know trouble has a way of finding me." After a lingering kiss goodbye, Charlotte watched as Richard disappeared through the security gates, her heart already aching with loneliness. The drive back to Stirling seemed interminable. Charlotte spent the journey reminiscing about her whirlwind romance with Richard, a welcome respite from the turbulence that had plagued her life. Upon arriving at her cozy cottage, Charlotte busied herself with preparations for her evening shift at The Rusty Anchor. As she donned her customary bla