Chapter 21
21
Liv was dreaming of being fed Scottish tablet by Fraser who was wearing a kilt and nothing else. She was abruptly pulled from her dream by something. She opened a blurry eye to see a shadowy figure all in black standing at her bedside.
‘Shitting hell!’ she said trying to reverse away, which was harder than you’d think. She was thoroughly wrapped in the quilt like a giant maggot and therefore not the most agile of things. By the time she’d squirmed as far as the other side of the bed she was worn out, but she was also far enough away to see that it wasn’t Janet the witch come for her soul; it was in fact Effie. ‘What are you doing?’ asked Liv, wriggling her top half out of the duvet and trying to calm herself down because her heart was still in fight-or-flight mode – the latter not having worked well at all.
‘Waiting for you to wake up,’ said Effie, her tone very matter-of-fact.
‘Mission accomplished.’ Liv patted the bed for Effie to sit down. ‘What’s up?’
‘I’ve had a message from John. He’s in danger.’
‘What’s happened?’
‘The refugee camp where he’s working was raided by gorillas.’
‘The hairy sort or the soldiers?’ asked Liv with a smile, trying desperately to lighten the mood.
‘I’m not sure,’ said Effie, frowning hard. ‘But he escaped in a truck.’
‘That’s a relief. Is he okay?’
‘I think so. But it’s frightened me,’ said Effie, her lip wobbling.
‘Of course it has. Come here.’ Liv opened her arms and Effie inelegantly crawled towards her. ‘It’s okay. I’ll get up and give you a hug, otherwise it’s weird.’ Liv untangled herself from the duvet and dashed across the cold floor and around the bed to embrace Effie. ‘He’ll be fine. He must know what he’s doing. Hopefully he’ll be home soon. If not you’re flying out there to meet him, aren’t you?’
Effie pulled away and wiped away a tear. ‘I’m scared.’
‘Of course you are. It’s horrible to think of people you care about in danger.’
Effie shook her head. ‘I’m scared of going out there.’
‘Then don’t go. It is a long way. I’m sure he’ll understand,’ said Liv.
Effie bit her lip. ‘I’m scared of going anywhere. Not just Burkina Faso.’
‘Why’s that?’
‘My dad was killed in a car crash three years ago, and I’ve only been as far as the dentist’s since then. I just can’t…’ She looked agitated just at the thought of it.
Liv held her hand. ‘I’m so sorry, Effie; that must have been so hard for you.’
‘I’m lucky really. I’ve got Granny here and Fraser came back from Barcelona.’ A few things started to make more sense to Liv. ‘But I’m worried I won’t ever be able to leave here.’
‘Maybe starting off with short trips is the answer. You’ve been to the dentist so that’s a start. Perhaps you need to plan small outings and each time go a little further. I’m sure there are lots of people who would come with you and support you.’
‘I guess.’ Effie didn’t look sure. ‘Would you come with me?’
‘Um, well,’ began Liv as Effie fixed her with big puppy-dog eyes. ‘Has the snow thawed?’ asked Liv.
‘Ooh let’s see,’ said Effie, thankfully easily distracted. She dashed to the window and Liv followed her. Oddly her tummy felt tight. She was apprehensive, unsure what she wanted Effie to find. Effie pulled back the curtains and they both looked out. The hills were breathtaking, the morning sun highlighting the dips and curves of the land and scattering a sparkle on the loch. There was still a lot of snow, but there were patches of colour where it was melting. ‘Aww, the snow’s thawing,’ said Effie sadly. ‘Maybe there’ll be more later. Shall we get breakfast?’
‘Err, yeah okay.’ Liv wasn’t sure how she felt as she got dressed and made her way downstairs. Was this her last meal at Lochy House Hotel? she wondered as she was overtaken by Jock’O with a sock in his mouth. Belatedly she realised it was one of hers. ‘Hey!’ she called. The dog ignored her but Robbie turned in her direction.
Robbie was pacing the hall as he spoke to someone on a walkie-talkie. ‘My civilians need to be a priority,’ he said giving Liv a firm nod. She responded with a weak smile.
She was going home. That was a good thing, she told herself. She’d missed her mum and sister and their usual madcap pre-Christmas festivities such as wrapping, shopping for the stuff you only bought at Christmas like shelled nuts, brandy butter and the extra strong indigestion tablets.
It also meant that the moment she could rant at Fraser, and lay the ghosting debacle to rest, was fast approaching. It had seemed like a good idea when she was driven by anger and hurt and had a fire in her belly. Now she was full of Fraser’s good food and her own couldn’t be arsed-ness it was a lot less appealing. There was also the niggle in the back of her mind that none of it really added up. But she couldn’t really go home without saying something, otherwise what was the point of the whole trip? And what would she say to her mum and sister? She could hardly confess that she’d been won over by a lump of hard fudge so had let him off.
There was an amazing smell wafting from the kitchen. On the stove was a big pan that smelled delicious. ‘Is this mulled wine?’ she asked.
‘Yep,’ came the clipped response from Fraser.
‘Mulled wine for breakfast. I’m starting to like Scotland,’ she said. It struck her that she really did like it, despite everything, and soon she would be leaving.
‘It’s not for breakfast.’ He gave her a frustrated look. ‘Dolly wants us to help these freeloaders enjoy their stay so I thought…’ He went back to what he was doing.
‘Good idea,’ said Liv.
She helped with breakfast and joined the others in the dining room where excited chatter filled the air. Aaron and Kacey were eating their breakfasts with one hand so that they could hold hands under the table; Shanie was discussing books with Dolly and getting recommendations of her favourites. Robbie strode in. ‘If I could have everyone’s attention please.’ The chatter stopped abruptly and everybody turned to look at Robbie who seemed to swell with the authority he now held. ‘I am pleased to inform you that the snowplough has been through from Fort Augustus to Fort William.’ It meant nothing to Liv but the others seemed pleased. ‘There’s a tractor on its way to recover your vehicle.’ He pointed at Aaron. ‘And you are on the list of emergencies with the local garage,’ he said pointing at Liv.
‘Oh I’m not an emergency,’ she said and surprised herself that she felt that way. It was a surprise to her that she wasn’t already skipping up the driveway but she wasn’t.
‘That’s good,’ he said with a wince, ‘because there are quite a few ahead of you on the list.’
‘No problem,’ said Liv. ‘Thanks.’ It looked as if her departure wasn’t imminent and she was relieved. At least it would give her time to get her final speech straight in her head.
‘You’re welcome,’ said Robbie. ‘I’ll let you know when the tractor arrives,’ he said to Aaron.
‘Is there a charge for that?’ asked Aaron.
‘It’s local goodwill,’ said Robbie. ‘But perhaps a charitable donation to a local cause might be a nice gesture.’
‘I did you a morning roll,’ said Effie, presenting Robbie with a brown paper bag. ‘I know you’ve been up a few hours so I thought…’ She shrugged as she handed it over.
Robbie looked like he’d been presented with a prestigious trophy. ‘Goodness. I don’t know what to say. He clipped his walkie-talkie onto his uniform, took the bag and peeped inside. ‘It smells divine.’
‘It’s nothing really,’ said Effie going coy.
‘It’s very much appreciated, Effie. Thank you,’ said Robbie with that air of earnestness that he managed to convey without sounding patronising.
‘It’s important to support the emergency services,’ she said matching his tone.
‘Actually, Effie, I was wondering if you’d like to—’
‘We’ve had a great idea,’ said Kacey, waving her hands about. ‘Aaron, my husband,’ she said and Shanie rolled her eyes, ‘thought we could pay like that TV programme where you pay what you think the stay has been worth. What do we all think?’ She bit her lip as she scanned the other faces excitedly.
‘Great idea,’ said Liv.
‘Fine,’ said Shanie. ‘As long as I can pay by card. I don’t carry cash.’
‘That’s if it’s okay with you,’ said Kacey to Fraser.
‘Seems fair,’ said Fraser.
‘I’d best fire up the card payment machine,’ said Dolly wheeling herself and Jock’O out of the room.
*
The guests all lined up at the reception desk. Aaron and Kacey were instantly distracted by the mistletoe hanging above them. Liv stepped back. ‘I guess I should wait until the car’s fixed before I pay and check out, shouldn’t I?’ she asked Fraser.
‘From what Robbie says, you could be here for another night at least.’ This didn’t fill her with dread as it would have done a couple of days ago; in fact she felt quite the opposite.
‘It’s not a problem,’ she said trying to sound nonchalant. ‘As long as it’s okay with you, of course.’ She watched him for a response.
‘Makes no odds to me. Just one more for dinner.’ Was he playing it cool or did he really not care?
Aaron and Kacey were so focused on snogging under the mistletoe that Dolly had to keep tutting to get their attention long enough to complete the transaction.
Shanie tapped in her PIN. ‘I’ve had an unexpectedly good stay. Thank you all.’
‘It’s been a pleasure,’ said Dolly, and Jock’O barked his agreement.
‘I’ll put our luggage in the car,’ said Aaron.
‘Miss you already,’ said Kacey.
‘Miss you too,’ replied Aaron.
Dolly tutted and shook her head.
‘Someone’s here!’ called out Kacey from the entrance and everyone went to see except for Liv, because Fraser took hold of her arm and held her back. The touch of his hand on her skin gave her goosebumps.
‘I think I know why I was a wee bit off with you before,’ he said looking sheepish.
‘A wee bit? A great clonking… yeah well, I think I know why but let’s hear your version.’
‘I’ve been hurt. And I mean real heart crushing, stomp all over ma feelings level of hurt.’
‘Not by me,’ pointed out Liv.
‘I know. But there’s something about you. I don’t know what it is but…’ Fraser looked deep into her eyes as she waited for him to finish the sentence. A shudder went through her and it was nothing to do with the weather. ‘Do you not feel it?’ he asked.
She took a moment. Did she feel anything? Confusion mainly. She had come to roast the guy who ghosted her but she couldn’t deny that the Fraser she’d met here did have a certain attraction. He was gorgeous and kind so despite everything she knew about him she was still attracted to him, which was very inconvenient. However she felt, Liv was not going to show her hand. ‘I do feel something,’ she said and his features lifted. ‘But I figured it was because of the bang on the head.’
‘Can you not be serious for a second. I’m trying to be honest here.’
He seemed unsure as he slowly looked up. Liv followed his gaze to the mistletoe hanging above them. ‘Ah the famous evil spirit and witch repellent. Are you checking to see if I shrivel into a ball?’ she asked.
‘It’s also known for its romantic properties. I thought I might see if it worked.’
‘Ah the male clause of I can kiss whoever I like as long as it’s under a poisonous plant in December. So romantic,’ she said.
‘I think so.’ Fraser had a glint in his eye. ‘But only if they want to be kissed.’ It went against everything she knew about the man who had ghosted her, but at that moment she really did want to kiss him. He leaned forward until their lips were so close she could feel the warmth of his breath on hers.