Finn nods. “Then that’s what we’ll do. Since it’s winter, there won’t be any bikinis, sadly. But there are a few islands along the coast I’d like to show you. They used to be part of the mainland, but during the Event, a large portion of Scotland was lost to the sea. Somehow, portions remained, making new islands. I honestly don’t understand the science behind it, but it’s kind of cool.”
“Huh. That definitely sounds cool,” I admit.
“Good. Why don’t I come get you around ten tomorrow morning? I’ll bring something for lunch, and we can eat on one of the islands.” He turns back to Alora. “In the meantime, I should head home to see my Da. My aunt is staying with us, and the two of them do not get along. At least the rest of her family and my uncle got a hotel—none of them want to deal with their bullshit.”
Alora is full-on pouting at this point. “Already?”
“Alora, the man just lost his mom and has to deal with family. He might also need a few moments to think since we just dumped this on him.”
She sighs. “Yeah, okay. That makes sense. I’ll walk you out.”
We say our goodbyes as Alora leads him to the door, stopping him before he can leave to kiss him again.
Once again, jealousy hits me in the chest, but it doesn’t feel as strong as before. I certainly don’t feel like I need to go rip her out of his arms.
Maybe this will really work.
Chapter Nine
FINNEGAN
Idirect the boat to the third island of our trip, watching as Alora bounces on her toes at the bow of the ship. Jordan and Wells stand at her side, shaking their heads.
I’m very glad I decided to take them out on the boat. Alora has been having a blast exploring the islands.
The one we’re pulling up to now is the largest, and it’s where we’ll be having lunch. None of the other islands are big enough for anyone to live on, but there are a few hundred inhabitants who live on Ayr. It’s named after one of the seaside towns that fell into the ocean during the Event.
I’m not sure if it was actually part of the town it’s named after, but it’s nice to think it is.
As beautiful as I find Ayr, there’s no way I could live over an hour from the mainland by boat. Ayr is only about twenty-six square kilometers, so about ten square miles.
If I thought growing up in Glenmore was suffocating, it’s got nothing on Ayr. Everyone knows everyone else, and they don’t get too many visitors because of the distance and lack of touristy things to do.
As I pull up to the dock, a man waves, and I cut the engine. Wells tosses the man the rope, and he secures us.
“Welcome to Ayr!” Moving closer, I realize he’s not really a man but a boy. He can’t be more than sixteen.
“Thanks, lad. I’m Finnegan. These are some friends from the States—Alora, Wells, and Jordan. I just wanted to show them the island.”
The kid nods. “Make sure you show them the ruins. It’s what everyone comes here for anyway.”
I climb onto the dock and shake his hand. “That’s exactly what I was planning to do. I have a picnic lunch for us, and figured that was the perfect spot.”
“Do you need any help with transport? I can drive you over and show you the island.”
My plan was to walk over, but it is quite a trek, and it’s clear he’s trying to make money—something that can be hard to do on such a small island. I also shouldn’t assume that Alora, Jordan, and Wells are up for a nearly ten-mile walk.
“Saving up to leave the island?” I ask as Jordan passes me the backpacks and picnic basket.
He ducks his head. “That obvious was I?”
I slap him on his back. “I recognize the hunger. I think a personal tour is just what we need. What are your rates?”
“Oh. I…uhh…” His face turns as bright red as his hair.
“No one has taken you up on your offer yet?”
He shakes his head. “We’ve only had one visitor since I got the okay from the town council. Winter is a slow time.”
