“I’m glad you texted,” he replied. “It will be more fun to have someone to talk with.”
“Same here,” she agreed. “Nice car,” she remarked as she got in, admiring the fully loaded car with all leather interior.
“It’s a rental,” he replied.
“We don’t have fun rentals like this back in the States,” she remarked.
“No?”
“No, they’re all boring. I suppose if you wanted to pay through the nose you could arrange something nice like this but it wouldn’t be the norm.”
“Well … it will serve its purpose.”
“That it will,” she concurred. “Where are you from?” she asked. “You have an accent but I can’t place it.”
“I am from Russia.”
“Your English is very good,” she commended him.
“Thank you. I learned it in school but I have been living in California the last 3 years and that has helped a lot.”
“What brought you to California?”
Viktor thought for a minute before answering. “Let’s just say my political views make it a little dangerous for me to live in Russia right now.”
“That doesn’t sound good.”
“Well, I was a little too outspoken about some things and after a few strange accidents that I narrowly escaped, I thought maybe I should leave for a while.”
“You think someone was trying to hurt you?”
“I would like to think, no.” He took a deep breath and sighed. “But I made some very powerful people very angry and I just didn’t want to take the risk.”
“What do you do for work?”
“I work for a company that manages real estate.”
“Must be nice. You get to travel.”
He grinned. “Yes it has its perks … And what do you do?” he asked.
“I work for an IT support firm in Boston.”
“Do you like it?”
“No, not really.”
“Stressful?” he asked.
“Very,” she agreed. “I don’t ever feel like I’m accomplishing anything. They won’t hire more help so we’re all just inundated with support tickets and it’s never ending. You work your way through 10 calls while 15 more are coming in.”
“Sounds like perhaps you should look for something different.”
“If only it was that easy. IT is the only real skill I have and all the companies operate essentially the same way. I could probably find a company that has fewer clients and therefore isn’t as stressful but that almost always means less pay and right now I’m helping to support my mother who is still recovering from cancer. So I need all the money I can get.”
“Maybe you should look for a nice rich man like your friend,” he teased.
She laughed. “Oh God, spare me.”
He found her response amusing. “You don’t want a handsome wealthy man to take care of you?”
“Ugh. That’s the last thing I want,” she said emphatically. “They’re all crazy or spoiled or have weird fetishes. How many normal rich men do you know?” she asked him.
He hesitated to answer, finding her take on wealthy men entertaining and not knowing how to respond, considering he himself was extremely wealthy.
“Exactly,” she said, taking his silence to mean his agreement.
He was grinning from ear to ear as he then asked, “So what is it you are looking for?”
“Someone normal … loyal … honest … good sense of humor. Someone I can talk to about anything.” She paused trying to think of what other qualities were important to her. “Someone who could be my best friend,” she concluded.
“I take it, you haven’t found that yet.”
She let out a light laugh. “Weird that that’s so hard to find, isn’t it?”
“Yes and no.”
“What about you?” she asked.
“Me?” he took a deep breath, seeming stumped by the question. “I want the same things as you.”
“Have you been able to find them?”
“I thought I had.”
“Didn’t work out?”
He gave her a smile but didn’t answer and she didn’t press.
“Have you been here before?” she asked, changing the subject.
“To Glen Coe?”
“Yeah.”
“Once. A long time ago. I remember it was beautiful. I especially enjoyed watching the sunset.”
“Oh, I didn’t even think of that. Can we stay for the sunset?” she asked.
“Absolutely. I would be disappointed if we didn’t.”
“You sure you don’t mind driving back that late?”
“Not at all.”
“I can’t thank you enough for taking me with you. I want to buy you dinner.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“You’re paying for the rental and you’re driving all this way, I want to contribute something.”
“I was coming here with or without you. Your presence has only added to my enjoyment. There is nothing more you need to contribute.”
“I would feel better if you let me,” she gently insisted.
He huffed and looked at her. She just sat smiling, waiting for his reply. He could tell she wasn’t going to take no for an answer.
“Very well,” he agreed. “Though again I will say, it is not necessary.”
“Duly noted.” She grinned over her victory and turned her attention to the beautiful scenery outside her window.
The rest of the drive was filled with spectacular views of luscious green countryside along a backdrop of beautiful mountains. The drive was peaceful, relaxing and just what she needed.
They stopped at the Glencoe visitor center on their way into the village. It was an interesting place with a small cafe and gift shop. They parted ways to use the facilities. Viktor was waiting for her when she came out of the restroom.
“Would you like something from the cafe?” he asked.
“Yes, actually. I’m a little hungry but not ready for dinner.”
“Good.” He smiled.
They stood in the short line and decided on what they wanted. Viktor placed his order first and then turned to her.
“What would you like?” he asked.
“Oh, no. That’s okay. I’ll buy my own.”
“What would you like?” he repeated, with a smile.
“I’ve got it, it’s fine,” she insisted.
With the same smile he calmly responded, “You’re holding up the line. What would you like?”
She realized she wasn’t going to win and finally relented and ordered a coffee and a pastry. They waited off to the side for someone else to hand them their drinks and food. A couple had just vacated one of the booths and they slipped right in after them.
“Thank you,” she said as
