Chapter Fifty-Two

Rory

Less than a week later, after an uneventful finish to an uneventful Skye Trail trek, I sat on a bench in Fort William, overlooking Loch Linnhe. I’d come out to my favorite spot in town for some peace and quiet, away from the loud party my housemates were having.

I brought the small flask to my lips and took a swig of whisky, settling in to watch the sunset. It had been a busy few days. I’d heard back from Gordon Marshall, who offered me a job in his Miami satellite office. He gave me a week to think about it. I hadn’t yet said anything to Amelia, but my plan was to call her tonight.

Tommy had been uncharacteristically subdued since I’d told him about the call with Gordon. He’d kept his distance a bit, too, disappearing for long periods of time over the last few days, and even when he was around, he was often glued to his phone. He didn’t tell me what was going on, and I didn’t ask. Taking the job would mean leaving him—my best mate, the person who saved me from myself, who’d made me into the man I was today. I knew he was happy I might have an opportunity to be with Amelia, but it didn’t make it easier.

He’d been gone all afternoon on some errand, but he’d texted to say he was back in town and would meet me shortly.

I took another sip, savoring the whisky’s smoky taste before swallowing. I was nervous, more nervous than I’d been in a long time. Until Gordon officially made me his offer, it had just been a vague hope, but now it was real. What if she said no, she wanted a clean start in Miami, unencumbered by a guy she’d had a short fling with? Better to know that now, than to take the job and move there and then find it out.

I set down the flask and scrubbed my hands over my face. Where the hell was Tommy? Fort William wasn’t that big.

“Is this seat taken?”

I froze. It can’t be. Holding my breath, I raised my head and opened my eyes.

Amelia stood before me, as if I’d conjured her.