What’s Mum going to get up to?
Alistair smiled at me, a kind smile, and said, She and Florence have many errands to run in town, so she’s well in hand. It’s like he could sense my guilt, and the relief.
Okay, yeah, thanks. Where’s Ingonish?
Alistair explained the spot on the northernmost tip of Cape Breton, driving through the highlands, the beach, the golfing—though I hate to golf–and a nice hike worth doing.
I had only wondered what, if any of it, might be of interest to Violet.
The air in this car feels like it’s crackling. It’s the first moment we’ve had alone since that kiss.
I say nothing at first, turning on the Jeep and pulling out of the driveway, steering us back onto the main road.
So about that kiss… I start and I can feel the tension radiate from her already, not sure entirely if it’s good or bad.
I got totally cornered, she wails, reminding me of that night in the bar. It makes me smile—god, I’ve taken a fancy to her. Violet continues, You were right, we should have been better prepared.
I laugh and encourage her to tell me what happened. She recounts the prodding from Alba, the need to prove that we had already kissed—that we’d been kissing all day. It feels like a precious secret, being in on this scheme with her.
Thanks for going along with it, she says.
Any time, I say, smirking. And mean it. She blushes a little at this, looking down at her lap.
You can back out too, you know. Or change your mind, she says, a little sheepishly.
The fuck would I want to do that for? The words are out of my mouth, a little more arsehole than I mean to sound. But truly, what the hell is she on about?
She shrugs, like she knows something I don’t.
I’m just saying, if this is too weird, if—
No.
Finn, come on, if—
No.
She looks at me then, and smiles this big, radiant smile that makes me feel light-headed.
Stop it.
She lives across the Atlantic Ocean and across the entirety of Canada.
I could move.
No, you couldn’t, your Mum is in Scotland, remember?
I force myself out of this insane, internal back and forth I’m having by asking Violet, What are you doing the rest of the week?
I’m already desperate for more time with her.
Fuck off!
I have literally no idea, she says, chuckling to herself, but I’m not sure what the joke is. I’m not making a lot of plans these days.
Well, would you like to make some?
This week? Forever? Good god man, give it a fucking rest.
