Chapter 2 #2
“And I was feeling pretty good about it until now,” he answered, glancing at Mary who narrowed her eyes at him.
“You should be proud. He’s a tough one.” She lifted his bowl and wiped under it. “He wasn’t happy about it, but he said he was impressed with your skill.”
“Finally, someone has something nice to say about me.” His narrowed eyes were directed at Mary’s back.
Sophia laughed. “Is someone feeling sorry for themselves?”
Sophia was one of the lasses that had come from the future and decided to make Breaghacraig their home.
They had an odd way of speaking, forcing him to ask on more than one occasion just what it was they were talking about.
In this case, he understood exactly what she was getting at.
He didn’t agree. He was merely baffled by the lack of respect he’d been shown by everyone he’d come across since his resounding victory on the field this morning.
***
The Thistle & Hive Inn – 2018
Edna’s office was a cozy retreat tucked in behind the registration desk in the lobby.
Tina was seated on the comfy sofa having tea with Edna and Maggie, enjoying the fact that there was absolutely nowhere she had to be and nothing she had to do.
Elle and Hamish were exploring the village and she was free to enjoy her down time.
The tour was over and her duties as the tour manager were also over.
She had no commitments back home and had no idea what she’d be doing with her time once she got there.
“I could get used to this,” Tina said.
“Why don’t ye stay with us for a while?” Edna asked.
“I should,” she said only half joking.
“We’d love to have ye,” Maggie said. “Dylan and I can show ye around Glendaloch and the surrounding area. Ye’d love it I’m sure.”
This was sounding more and more attractive to her, but Elle and Hamish were expecting her to head back home with them. She really shouldn’t.
“Maggie, I was speaking with Tina about taking a little time travel journey to Breaghacraig. What do ye think?”
“Does she want to?” Maggie asked, sounding surprised and looking to Tina.
“I don’t think I can. It all sounds so incredible to me, but I’m expected at home,” Tina said.
“Well, don’t let Auntie Edna pressure ye into anything,” Maggie eyed Edna with some apparent disapproval.
“Oh, Maggie, ye ken ’tis perfectly safe,” Edna protested.
“’Tis, but we decided we weren’t going to send anyone else back against their will,” Maggie replied with an arched brow.
“It wouldn’t be against her will,” Edna sounded a little defensive.
Tina watched the verbal ping pong match going on between aunt and niece.
It seemed like such a crazy idea, but if she could find a man like Elle had, it might just be worth it.
Maybe if she had a better idea of what to expect, it wouldn’t be so overwhelming.
Knowing exactly what was going to happen would give her the control she liked and maybe then she could think about having a little fun.
“This man you say is waiting for me. What’s he like? ”
Edna seemed pleased with her question and shot a look of satisfaction at Maggie. She smiled brightly as she replied. “He’s a good man, like Hamish, but he is a bit lost at the moment. He needs a woman in his life who can lead him in the right direction.”
“So he’s heading in the wrong direction?” Tina didn’t like the sound of that.
“I wouldn’t say it was the wrong direction, he’s just a bit lost and he needs yer help.”
“Help?” she asked, thinking she certainly didn’t want a man who needed help.
“Aye. Ye ken how the menfolk are. They always need our help. Isnae that right, Maggie?”
Maggie looked as confused as Tina felt. “I guess.”
“Ye wouldnae have to worry. Wallace will meet ye on the other side of the bridge and he’ll take ye to Breaghacraig. There are several others there who have traveled through time.”
“Why are they still there?” Tina wondered.
“They wanted to stay.”
“I don’t want to stay.” She surprised them all with the vehemence in her tone, but the idea of staying somewhere like that was terrifying. She was fine with a little adventure, just not too much of one. She took a breath and controlled her emotions. “I can’t stay.”
“Understood, dear. I’m just telling ye that Ashley, Jenna and the other lassies would be there for ye and, of course, when yer ready to come back to present time they’ll help ye get here.
” Edna’s warm smile and compassionate eyes put her at ease.
She made everything sound so easy. Tina couldn’t believe it, but as crazy at it seemed, she was actually considering this!
“I don’t want to condone my aunt’s meddling,” Maggie gave her aunt a meaningful look, “but it is a once in a lifetime chance to see a place that no longer exists, at least not on this side of the bridge.”
“Have you both been there?” Tina asked.
“We have and so has Dylan,” Maggie said. “No matter what ye decide. My offer still stands to take ye on a tour of the Highlands.”
Tina’s mind was at odds. It was so nice to be able to sit still, to not have people asking her a million questions a day.
And as much as she loved her family, they had spent an awful lot of time together.
A bit of time all on her own seemed like a great idea.
She wasn’t sure if she could really go through with traveling through time, but the idea of spending a few more days in Scotland was appealing.
“Thanks, Maggie. That’s so kind of you. I haven’t made up my mind about the time travel, but I’m definitely going to stay. I could use some time off.”
The bell above the inn door rang, signaling someone arriving. “I’ll go see who it is,” Maggie said. She opened the office door and then called over her shoulder, “It’s Elle and Hamish.”
“Tell them to join us,” Edna said.
Maggie waved them back to the office. Tina could hear her sister laughing with Hamish and as they came through the door, the look of love on both their faces made her heart happy.
It also made her mind up for her. She wanted what they had and if she had to travel back in time to get it, she would.
Of course, she was keeping that information to herself.
She didn’t want Elle to talk her out of it, or to worry about her.
“Did ye two have fun?” Edna asked, smiling brightly at the happy couple.
“We did,” Elle said. “I love it here.”
“Me, too,” Hamish added. “Scotland is such a different place now. So much has changed, but thank goodness the whisky hasnae.” Hamish chuckled at this before continuing. “I will be glad to get back home. I’ve plans to make a crib for our wee one and cannae wait to get started.”
“I’ve got some news,” Tina said, nervously fidgeting with the arm of the sofa. “I’ve decided to take a vacation. I’m going to stay here in Scotland. Maggie and Dylan have offered to take me on a tour of the Highlands.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful, Tina. You’ve been working so hard on this tour for so long. You deserve a nice vacation.”
“Really? You don’t mind?” She couldn’t help but worry. What if they needed her for something on the trip home.
“Of course not. Why would I mind? I think we can manage to get ourselves home without you.” Elle grasped Hamish’s hand as a soft, sweet smile appeared on her lips. “We’ll be fine. I promise.”
“You’ll explain to Mom and Dad?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll tell them. I’m sure they’ll be happy you’re taking some time for yourself.”
She’d done it. She’d taken the first step. Once Elle and Hamish were gone she’d tell Edna she’d made her decision. A shiver of excitement bubbled up in her and she smiled. She was going to meet her man.
***