Page 21 of Highland Stars
“Not really. I thought we could take it easy this morning, then walk around the city a bit. As much as you’re up for. I could give you an exclusive tour of life as a local in Inverness.”
I swallow a bite of toast. “I mean, that sounds wonderful, but are you sure?”
“Aye, I’m sure. I’m glad you’re here, and I love living here, so I’d enjoy showing you around.”
“Alright. Thank you. I’d love that. I’m more interested in how the locals live and what they love than any sort of tourist thing. Although there may be some overlap here. It’s not like this is New York City.”
Malcolm chuckles. “Not quite. Have you been to New York?”
I nod and wipe crumbs from my mouth. “Once. And we did all the tourist things, which were interesting and fun, but I left wishing I knew more about what it was like to live there. Not that I would ever want to live there. Inverness is probably the biggest size city I’d ever want to live in.”
“Do you live in a small town in Georgia, the state not the country?” Malcolm uncrosses his legs and sits with them splayed wide. He looks like he’s never been more relaxed. Like it’s commonplace to talk with women in bed. No big deal.
Well, I guess he does talk to a lot of people in beds at the hospital. But still, this ishisbed. I guess I’m the only one feeling a bit awkward.
“I live in a suburb of Atlanta. It’s like a medium-sized town next door to a big city. I try to avoid going into Atlanta at all costs. I hate traffic. But also, I don’t want to go too far out, away from things. Basically, I want nature with the convenience of stores and restaurants.”
“That sounds a lot like Inverness.”
“It does. That’s probably one reason this is my dream destination.”
“The Highlands are your dream destination? Not somewhere tropical, like Hawaii or Fiji?”
“Do you see how pale I am? I don’t want to take a vacation and spend it sunburned.”
“It’s almost like you were made for this place.” He says it quickly, then seems to want to change the subject. “Speaking of the sun, would you like to take a walk around the garden? See how you’re feeling before we try the city.”
“I’d like that.” I eat my last bite of egg, set my tray aside, and grab the banana. “I’ll eat this while I get ready. I woke up hungry today.”
“That’s a great sign.” Malcolm smiles. “Any tenderness at your incision?”
“Not really.” And I don’t need you to look at it. I’ll be keeping my fluff to myself, thank you very much.
“Ace.” He stands. “Take your time, I’ll be downstairs when you’re ready.”
“Sounds good.”
He moves toward the door, then pauses. “I’m assuming you don’t need any help changing.”
“You assume correctly. I’ll be fine. Your mom kinda scarred me from wanting help changing.”
He looks deeply concerned. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, it’s not a big deal. I’m sure she didn’t think a thing about it. It’s just that I’m not used to showing all my bits to relative strangers.” My face flames. Why did I mention my bits to Malcolm?
He swallows. “I’ll talk to her.”
“No. Please don’t. She was kind and wonderful. It was just a bit weird because I sort of know her. She’s not just a nurse to me. And also, she’s not going to have to help me change again, so there’s no need.”
Malcolm nods. “I’ll see you downstairs.”
Was he flustered? Surely not.
14
Malcolm
“Somuchforprotectyourself, she’s leaving,” I mutter to myself as I walk from the stairs to the kitchen to grab a banana. Here I am saying she was made for this place. Was she made for this place? I don’t know, I only wanted to plant the idea that she might be. I need to wind my neck in. If she comes to that conclusion, it doesn't need to be because I’ve influenced her. I barely know her.
