Page 61 of Highland Stars
“You haven’t? Really?”
“No. It’s really just a tourist destination at this point.”
Is it crazy that I never want this viaduct to end? But I see the end fast approaching. When it does, Malcolm takes his time leaning back.
“Wish the viaduct was a bit longer,” he says, and I can’t look at him. What does he mean? Did he feel the way I felt?
“Yeah, it was exciting to see.”
“Aye. It was certainly exciting.”
It’s not long before the train stops and we stop briefly in Glenfinnan. We tour a museum and learn about the train and Jacobite history. There’s a couple walking around in front ofus, who are always touching. They’re holding hands, they’re leaning in and randomly kissing. Given my current circumstances with Malcolm, they are quite distracting.
The woman reaches over and pops the man on his butt. She laughs and he shakes his head and wraps an arm around her shoulders.
“Well, you don’t see a good public arse whacking every day,” Malcolm leans in to whisper.
“What would the Jacobites think of that happening in front of a display about their weaponry?”
“Oh, lass, I’m sure they’d be all for it.” Malcolm smirks, and it makes me laugh, drawing the attention of the lovey-dovey couple.
The girl, built like a tiny but strong gymnast, winks at us, and the guy smiles, then kisses his girl on the cheek.
“So … they’re on their first date, right?” Malcolm whispered to me.
“Oh, absolutely. Typical first date behavior.”
“Wait, I was only jokin’,” Malcolm teases. “Is this how you act on a first date? I think I need to see that.”
I suppress my smile, badly, then shake my head at him.
“I’m serious. We can pretend this is our first date and you can show me.”
I scoff because I don’t know what else to do. “Malcolm. We’re obviously not doing that, because I would definitely notact like that on a first date. Can you imagine?”
Malcolm stops in front of a display of Jacobite documents, feigning deep thought. “Aye. I can imagine it, and I like it.”
Oh, good gravy. What does he mean by that?
“You’re silly today.”
“Ah, not really.”
I roll my eyes and smile, then move on, suddenly much more interested in the intricacies of the steam train than I was before.
We get off the train again in Mallaig, an old, but still operational, fishing village, and I’m still reeling from Malcolm’s interest in me. Or, what it seems like, might be interest in me. I’m wondering if I should just ask him, but that requires a level of bravery I’m not sure I have. All I know is the more I’m around Malcolm, the more I like him and the more I know it will hurt when I leave.
The town is surrounded by mountains and rugged coastal landscapes. It’s quaint and colorful, with stone buildings and homes. It’s exactly what I would imagine a Scottish fishing village to be. There are touches of tourist fare around, but mostly it looks like an old, well-loved town.
We have lunch at The Chlachain Inn, where I get to have fish and chips again! Then we continue touring around town.
We’re walking quietly down a sidewalk, taking in the sights, when Malcolm suddenly stops. “I’ve just had a braw idea.” He pulls me into the nearest building, which I learn as I step under the sign is a pharmacy.
“Needing some medicine for your braw idea?”
“I love it when you do that.” He grins. “No, but I thought they may have waterproof bandages here. If they do, and you have your suit, you could use the hot tub. At least for a bit.”
Oh. I’m not mentally prepared to be in my swimsuit in front of Malcolm. “Um. Yeah. It would definitely be nice to get to use it. I do have my suit.” Because in a moment of laziness, I’d decided to bring my whole suitcase. I’m not sure if I’m upset with my former self, or not.
