Viktor smiled and reached out for her hand. He squeezed it. “It was still a crappy thing to do.”
She let out a chuckle. “It was.” She looked up at him and gave him a big smile as she placed her other hand on top of his. “But it gave me a good story to tell.”
“And you may not have gained the friendship you expected. But you have gained a friend,” he added.
“You’re worth 10 of her,” Amanda said.
“Hmm. That’s still not very much,” he teased.
She laughed and slapped his arm. He put the car in drive and they continued to the boat dock.
The tour offered some great views of the castle and other sights along the Loch Ness coast. But it was the sunset that was truly inspiring. Amanda and Viktor took up a view from the boat away from overly affectionate Gavin and Sheila. When the boat docked again, Amanda wondered if there was any way they could get out of eating dinner together. She didn’t know how she could do it, but she would give anything to spend the last few hours with just her and Viktor.
“I am starving!” Sheila declared. “Where should we go to eat?”
“Actually, I’m not really hungry,” Amanda said. “I’m really tired. I feel like I might be coming down with something.”
“Well … Viktor must be hungry,” Gavin said, thinking their night shouldn’t revolve around Amanda.
“We were up really early,” Viktor said. “It’s late for me too. I think I need to call it a night. We have a 4 hour drive back to Edinburgh.”
“Well, I rented a room nearby,” Gavin said. “I’m sure they have another. I’ll rent one for you.”
Before Amanda could say anything Viktor replied, “That is very kind but my flight leaves tomorrow and I really should get back. And I don’t think you have room for a third in your car?”
“No,” Gavin agreed.
Viktor reached his hand forward to shake Gavin’s. “It was nice meeting you.”
“Likewise,” Gavin shook his head.
Viktor did the same with Sheila after which Amanda said her goodbyes and the pair headed for their car.
“What would you really like to do?” Viktor asked as they drove from the parking lot.
“Eat. I’m starving.”
“Good. Me too.”
“Thank you for playing along.”
“Oh, I didn’t do that for you,” he laughed.
“I told you it was bad.”
“And you were not exaggerating.”
She giggled. “I’m glad we think alike.”
“We should find a restaurant further away. We don’t want to run into them.”
“No,” she agreed. “When does your flight leave tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow night at 11:20.”
“Oh wow. We’re leaving before you then.”
“What time are you leaving?” he asked.
“Our flight leaves at 2:30,” she replied.
“I’ll miss you.” He glanced over and gave her a sad smile.
“I’ll miss you too, Viktor.”
His heart ached and he desperately wanted to tell her how he felt about her but didn’t feel the time was right.
“But in the meantime …” He perked up. “What are you in the mood for?”
“Literally, anything edible. If you pull over we can eat some bark.”
He laughed and then tasked her with finding them a restaurant with his phone as they drove.
After getting some much needed nourishment, they continued on their way to Edinburgh. Along the way they became embroiled in a lively discussion over which car maker was the best. Viktor argued that well made cars were inherently more expensive while Amanda was of the view that a truly great car company could offer a solidly made vehicle at a price that the average person could afford. While Viktor agreed that such a thing should be possible, he contended that it was not how the world worked. By the time they reached Edinburgh they had agreed to disagree.
Viktor stopped in front of the entrance of Amanda’s hotel. “Would you like to have breakfast with me tomorrow?”
“I would love to!” she agreed.
“Would you like to do something afterwards?”
“I was hoping I could do a little souvenir shopping. Would you like to keep me company?”
“I would love to.”
“Great.” She gave him a warm smile. “I’ll see you in the morning then?”
“8:00?”
“Perfect.” She stepped out of the car and threw 20 pounds on the seat. “For gas,” she blurted before briskly shutting the door and walking away.
He rolled down the passenger window and shouted her name. She turned around to see him holding up the 20.
“Take this back,” he said.
She shook her head and smiled. “Nope."
Viktor looked down at the 20 and sighed as she continued into the hotel. He really didn’t like taking her money.
Chapter 7
The next morning Viktor picked Amanda up at 8:00 for breakfast after which they planned to visit some of the local stores. Viktor paid for their meal without letting Amanda even look at the check.
“Why do we always have to argue about money?” she asked.
“Because you won’t let me pay for anything,” he replied.
“You’ve paid for lots.”
He leaned back and offered a smile. “So have you.”
“Is it so strange that I want to pay my way?”
“Yes," he said just to be contrary.
She rolled her eyes. “It’s not fair that you pay for everything.”
“Well … I’ll let you buy your own souvenirs,” he offered, in an attempt to be humorous.
“Oh, thank you,” she replied somewhat sarcastically.
The first store they visited was a kilt maker. While Amanda had no intention of purchasing a kilt, she was curious to see what they were like. As she was perusing through the different colors and patterns she came across a bright blue one. She held it up to Viktor and teasingly declared, “This one matches your eyes. You should get it!”
He just looked at her in response with a flat expression.
She grinned. “You don’t like it?”
“Are you trying to undress me already?” he asked.
“Oh boy.” She quickly returned the kilt to the rack and then to browsing, ignoring his remark.
He couldn’t help but feel a little victorious over the exchange.
“Ooo, these are nice,” she said as she came across a rack of tartan scarves. She looked at the label. “They’re wool too!”
