"Oh..." said Kate, her face clearing into a smile. "Alright then, I'd like that. Will ye buy me gingerbeer? That place looks good."

She continued to hold on to his arm as they went in and she gently guided him to a table in the corner. She liked corners, from where she could overlook the room, without people looking at her. Today, there was another reason: She did not want anyone to recognize John and butt in on their conversation, not when there was so much time to catch up on.

"Ye know, I'm really not that little anymore. Almost as tall as mam."