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He nodded. “Just like that.”
I’d had that kind of confidence when I set out to make it on my own, too, but with very different results. My unfettered optimism that I only needed to want it badly enough and everything would fall into place hadn’t gotten me as far as I’d hoped. Reality had proved a little harsher than that.
I’d had a few successful months creating custom websites, logos, and branding for small businesses, followed by a slow decline that burned through my savings until I’d had to move into my parents’ basement.
Basically, the highest point of my adult life, followed right after by the lowest.
“That’s great it’s worked out so well for you. It can be hard to set off on your own.”
“I knew what I wanted, so I went after it. Didn’t make sense not to take the leap.”
Duncan seemed like he could catch himself pretty well if he fell, but I’d sworn off swan dives after mine had ended in a belly flop. Despite my optimistic hopes, following my dreams had turned into a nightmare of destitution and humiliation. I’d taken the path of practicality and solid plans ever since. Maybe my path wasn’t the most exciting, but it kept a roof over my head.
He narrowed his eyes on me like my expression had given my whole inner monologue away.
“You don’t like leaping into things.” Not even a question, an assessment.
I bit my lip. The brief rise and long, painful downfall ofMolly Clarke Designswasn’t exactly happy mini-bus banter. “I just think things don’t always work out the way we hope.”
He watched me for too long, and I didn’t like all the conclusions he must have been drawing. Most of them were probably pretty accurate.
“Do you come back to Scotland very often?” I asked. Anything to move the conversation along.
“I have lately. My mother still lives outside Edinburgh, and I visit her when I can.”
“Do you drive up?”
“Sometimes, but it’s only an hour flight. The best way to travel, though, is by train. A luxury seat with a dining car and a bar, riding through spectacular scenery—nothing better.”
“I’d thought about doing that for this trip, but I couldn’t add the extra days off.” Pretty sure Lincoln would have lost his mind if I’d asked for any more time.
“Your work isn’t very flexible?”
Laughter bubbled out of me. “I don’t think my boss is familiar with that word.”
I’d known Lincoln would ask me to work over my vacation, but I hadn’t anticipated just how much he would want me to do. I’d already logged several hours, and the trip had barely begun. But arguing with him—especially with my new promotion hanging in the balance—would only make the problem worse.
“Anyway, I’ve got a little time in Edinburgh before my return flight. I want to see the castle.”
Duncan gave a disinterested hitch of his shoulders. As a former resident of the city, he must have long ago grown immune to the wonders of its castle.
“My guidebook says it’s the crown jewel of the city.” I laughed at the face he made over that flowery description. “Well, it’s written by an American travel show host, and I’m not sure I always trust his opinions.”
“Steering you wrong, is he?”
“His motto seems to be ‘Never look at anything twice.’” His trips were obnoxiously designed to avoid even a few feet of backtracking.
Duncan nodded. “That does seem to be at odds with your motto of ‘If it’s worth taking one photo, why not take thirty?’”
I lightly shoved his shoulder, and he laughed at my efforts. He was all taut muscle beneath his soft fleece. “I can’t help it, I want to remember everything.”
“How many photos have you taken so far?”
My camera’s display currently read 376, but he didn’t need to know that. “A couple hundred.”
He dipped his head closer. “Per day?”
“No. Ooh, that reminds me.” I fished my phone from my messenger bag. Jill had sent a photo of Shatner staring out her front window, his tongue dangling as he waited for someone to walk by so he could menace them.
