Chapter 3

"Trust me Mac, you're going to love her."

Duncan smiled at the boy. "Yeah, I've heard that before."

"Well, she'll be here any second now so try to look a little less miserable than usual, ok?" Richie looked at the older man with pleading eyes.

"I'll do my best." The highlander nodded but still didn't smile. Perhaps if Richie didn't attract all the damsels in distress or the troubled tough gals from the bad side of town, he'd be more enthusiastic about meeting Richie's newest interest. Trying to keep up with the women that came into Richie's life was about as easy as trying to find a needle in a hay stack.

A soft knock had both men look toward the door. "She's here." Ritchie clapped his hands together once and grinned at McLeod. "Open mind, please Mac?" No response came from the older man but Richie knew they had an understanding as he walked over to the door to let her in.

Duncan saw her as soon as Richie opened the door. She was very attractive with friendly eyes. Her auburn hair glistened in the evening sun as she walked through the door. Richie led her over to meet his friend and she greeted him with a warm smile.

"It's nice to meet you Mr. McLeod." Although her smile was genuine, she seemed a little uncomfortable.

"It's nice to meet you to." Duncan gave her a partial smile and shook her hand.

She suddenly turned to Richie and smiled again. "So, should we get started?"

Richie looked confused. "Started? Well, dinner won't be ready for a bit. I thought we could…"

Before he could finish his sentence, she finished it for him. "Start the review for chapter 4." Celeste slid the backpack off her shoulder and unzipped the double zipper.

"What?" Richie was even more confused now. "Celeste, I didn't invite you over to study."

The woman looked down at her feet, not sure what to say. "Well, um…"

"I thought we could just hang out a bit." Richie saw Duncan from the corner of his eye as the older immortal turned around and walked toward the kitchen. "All three of us," he said loud enough for Duncan to hear.

"Richie, I don't mind tutoring you, and I don't mind being friends, but I'm really not interested in a relationship right now." Celeste looked sad as she spoke.

"That's great, neither am I." Richie gave her a wide grin. He put his arm gently around her shoulders as he led her deeper inside the room. "Have a seat. Can I get you a drink?"

Celeste seamed to relax a little after hearing Richie's intentions. Perhaps he did just want to be friends. She watched him leave the room in search of her drink. As long as I stay on my toes, there is no reason why I can't have a friend. She smiled inwardly as she repeated the word, friend, in her head again. Yes, this could work.

Richie returned with a drink in each hand. He gave her one and lifted the other in a toast. "To new friends," he said as he clicked his glass with hers.

The two of them talked as they sipped at their wine. Richie seamed preoccupied by McLeod's location each time he brought his glass down. Finally he motioned to the dark haired man. "Hey Mac, why don't you join us?"

Duncan seamed to appreciate the offer, but did not look too interested in accepting it. "I'm going to start dinner."

Richie jumped up from the couch where he was sitting. "No! I'm making dinner tonight," he announced with a sideways grin.

Duncan looked over at him, "You are?"

"Yeah, I want to make something special in honor of our guest." Richie gestured toward Celeste. Why don't you guys get to know each other a bit while I make dinner."

Celeste looked over at Duncan with a shy smile before turning back to Richie. "You really don't need to go to any trouble for me Richie."

"I know, but I want to."

Duncan walked back into the living room and sat down next to Celeste. "Well, I don't know about you but I'm dying to see if Richie can cook." There was humor in his eyes as he smiled at her.

"He doesn't usually cook?" Her eyebrows lifted as she asked Duncan the question.

"He doesn't ever cook." His reply brought a lovely smile to her face again.

"Well, I guess we should let him try then."

"I hope you're not too hungry." Duncan obviously found the whole situation hysterical.

"I heard that Mac," Richie yelled from the kitchen.