“That’s one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me.” Flora met Mack’s eyes. “I don’t think anyone has ever understood my difficulties the way you do.”

“Thanks, I’m just trying to do my best to make you feel safe,” Mack said.

They looked into in each other’s eyes, and Mack caressed Flora’s cheek with the back of her hand. It was so intimate, even though they were on a busy Glasgow street. Someone bumped Mack, and she jumped out of their little moment.

“Will we go in?”

“Okay.”

Mack held the door open, and Flora stepped into the entrance hallway. It gave the feel of a deep ocean with the dark background and fluorescent blue lights. Coming from the afternoon light into this darkness was strange, but the blue lights were beautiful.

Dexter barked, and Mack took off his lead. He ran off down the hall and turned the corner. “Don’t worry—he knows where he’s going.”

“How big is this place?” Flora asked.

“There’s three floors.”

They walked out into a huge open room with a large bar along one wall, and booths, tables, and chairs. It wasn’t like clubs she’d seen on TV because the normal room lights were on, so no dark room with flashing lights that worried her.

Some staff worked behind the bar, busying themselves with glasses and restocking drinks, while some cleaned tables and got ready for the customers who’d arrive later.

“This floor is more a meeting area for clubbers or for those who want to chat,” Mack said. “The music’s always played, but low. Upstairs there’s the cheesy music floor with all the old favourites, and the top floor is for serious dance music. There’s something for everyone.”

The thought of this place packed with people was scary for Flora, but like this she could handle it. She heard a bark and saw Dexter getting petted and hugged by a tall, solid woman at the bar.

The woman turned and shouted across the room, “Awrite, Mack?”

Mack whispered to Flora, “See, I told you he knew his way around here. Let’s go and say hello to Jay.”

Mack walked a few steps, but tension and anxiety had made Flora still and immovable. Instead of making her feel strange or odd, Mack just gave her a soft smile and extended her hand. Before she knew it, Flora grasped Mack’s hand, and it felt like confidence travelled from Mack’s body to hers and got her to move.

They walked over to the bar, and Mack said, “Jay, how’s it going?”

“Good. I was just working on the staff rotas, and I found this wee sausage.”

Dexter barked when he saw them and struggled to get over to them.

“C’mere, Dex,” Mack said, and she handed Dexter over to Flora, knowing he would be a comfort to her during this introduction.