Ross had no idea that Amelia had already made contact with Liv and she was a key part of the whole plan. She widened her eyes. “Ross, you’re making it sound as if she’s dangerous! What exactly has she done?” But he shook his head and said he’d rather talk about more pleasant things.
Amelia wasn’t getting any gossip from the decent and loyal Ross, so instead she asked him about what he thought she should buy Freya as a thank you present for letting her stay.
“She won’t take any money, Ross. Obviously, I offered, but she was so offended I haven’t brought up the subject again.”
“Freya is easy pleased, said Ross. “Just looking after you and seeing you having a good time is all the thanks she needs, but if you really want to get her a present, they do special bottles of Orkney whisky and local gin. You know she loves a wee tipple.”
“I had noticed, but she looks well on it,” said Amelia with a grin. “That’s a really good idea, thank you. Actually, do you fancy one for the road?”
The two of them looked up and realised the bar was empty. They hadn’t been aware of it getting so quiet. It was past midnight and time to let the staff get home.
“I seem to keep everyone here in Orkney up late,” said Amelia.
“Time goes fast when you are having a great time,” said Ross, surprising himself. He added, “I’ve had a brilliant night, but I better be getting you home to Freya. I bet she will be waiting up for you.”
Ross paid for the bill, left a generous tip to the waitress and ordered Amelia a cab, which he prepaid. She gave him a hug and they kissed each other on the cheek. Getting it just right this time with no awkwardness.
“We need to do this again,” said Ross, blushing.
“Anytime,” she replied.
When she got back, Amelia took off her high heels and tip-toed into her room only to hear Freya call out: “Well, how was it? Tell me everything.”
She popped her head round the door of Freya’s bedroom. “Oh Freya, it was lovely. No undignified scuffles at the end of the night, just a hug and a kiss on the cheek, but he is a very special man.”
“That he is,” said Freya.
“Please tell me you’ve not been waiting up for me to get back in?”
“I could pretend I was re-reading my very worn copy ofGreenvoebut I knew I wouldn’t get to sleep until you were back. I was the same when Evie stayed here although she seldom went over the door.”
“Well, I’m home safe and sound and I’d better get to bed. I’m so tired. You get to sleep.”
“Good night, my love. See you in the morning and you can tell me all the details. I want to know absolutely everything.”
Chapter Thirty
Freya’s House
Waking up early the next day with the morning sun shining, and the weather set to hold up, Freya declared it was the perfect day for a swim with the Selkies. She messaged everyone on their WhatsApp group and told them to meet at the usual time: 10am at Inganess Beach.
Everyone was up for it, even Maureen felt well enough to join in after checking with Edwyn that it was OK. He replied that not only was it a great idea, but he’d be happy to write a prescription for her to have a dip in the sea as often as possible.
He told her: “If it makes you feel better inside and out then I’m all for it. Just take it easy, but it will be good for you to get out into the sunshine and be with the girls. Kate is here chomping at the bit to get going. She’ll see you later.”
Freya had asked Amelia if she could swim and did she want to come, but Amelia said she didn’t want to intrude and anyway she hadn’t packed a swimming costume. She didn’t think she would need one in Orkney.
“Well, you obviously can’t borrow one of mine,” said Freya. “It would be like a circus tent on you.”
Amelia thought she’d managed to dodge a bullet, but Freya told her, “Let me message Evie. She’ll have one to fit you. She can bring it over and take us both to the beach in Florence fora peedie change.” She added, “I’m away to get ready. It’s best to go with your cossie on already so you can just strip off and dive straight in. I’ll give you one of my big towels so that when you get out of the water you can get changed underneath it.”
Amelia was horrified, “Aren’t there changing rooms and showers?”
“Afraid not. You will just have to rough it, my girl.” She grinned at the look on Amelia’s face.
“Don’t be such a fearty. We are all in the same boat and nobody cares if they see a bit of bum or a boob. Just bring clean knickers so your bits are nice and dry afterwards.” She added encouragingly, “Then we can sit on the sand and have some coffee and cake. That’s the bit I like the best.”
“Won’t it be awfully cold?” said Amelia nervously.
