The women had slowed down slightly as they talked and looked ahead. A gap had formed between them and the rest of the group. Olivia could see Logan had turned to stop. He gave them a wave.
‘I think that’s our cue to get a move on,’ said Kitty with a laugh. ‘Who would have thought we would be the ones slowing everyone down. Come on, let’s up our pace a bit.’
The cool breeze felt lovely as they made their way up the track, the sunshine creating a dappled light on the springy forest floor.
Kitty raised an eyebrow. ‘Are you going to tell me how you know him then?’ She jerked her head towards Logan, who was now a few hundred metres away.
‘I met him the other night in the bar and was really rude.’
‘What, like on a date or something?’ asked Kitty in surprise.
‘No, nothing like that. It was the day you arrived, and I had gone to the pub for some space. Then I left my bag behind. When I went back to get it, he had found it and was standing there. I practically accused him of stealing it. I feel awful,’ she wailed.
Kitty nodded. ‘That would explain why there was a bit of “tension” when we arrived at the car park. I sensed a bit of an exchange of looks.’
Olivia groaned. ‘Was it that obvious?’
‘Not at all,’ she said dismissively. ‘Sometimes I read into things too much. I wondered if you might have had a romanticliaison— and I was trying to figure out how you’d found the time.’
‘Absolutely not,’ blurted Olivia, horrified at the thought. ‘No way.’
‘Oh, okay, I get the message,’ said Kitty, laughing.
‘Shh, not another word just now,’ said Olivia as they neared the group. ‘Sorry, sorry, we got so absorbed in the scenery and talking that we didn’t realise we had trailed behind.’
Logan took a sip from his water bottle. ‘That’s okay. I just want to make sure we all stick together.’
Olivia sighed. She was going to have to say something and clear the air, otherwise it would be a long few days. But she was not good at saying sorry. She wished she could just send him a subliminal message like the trees did, then they could move on without actually having a conversation.
‘Okay, everyone,’ said Logan. ‘Let’s keep going. I know it’s warm today, so do keep sipping your water. I’ve also got some spray in my bag, so let me know if you need it. Sometimes the cleggs — flies — can be bothersome. We might be okay, but please shout if you find yourself waving your arms about to get rid of them. The last thing we want is anyone toppling over. Shall we go?’
There was a chorus of agreement and Logan started walking. ‘Now, remember in the words of Al Green:let’s stay together.’
There were a few ripples of laughter. Kitty winked at Olivia and started humming, then singing random words to the tune. ‘I am out walking. By the waterfall, it’s where I want to be. Let’s stay together . . .’
Olivia shook her head in mock horror. ‘Ohplease, now I am starting to regret having encouraged you to keep singing. I can see how this would annoy your son.’
Kitty continued humming a jaunty tune.
Olivia managed to crack a smile as she tried her best to humour Kitty, but as she listened to those words her stomach started to twist. She used to love that song but, unbeknown to Kitty, it had just unearthed a painful memory of Patrick.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Kitty immediately saw the shift in Olivia’s eyes and her mood. She wasn’t quite sure why Olivia was so peeved, but she knew she needed to try and lighten things.
‘Sorry, I know my singing isn’t the greatest,’ she said jauntily. ‘That’s it. You never have to listen to it again. I promise.’ She didn’t know Olivia well enough to pry further, but it wasn’t the first time she had sensed such a mood shift. She knew there was more to Olivia being here, and whatever it was she didn’t want to make things any worse for her.
Olivia shrugged. ‘It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. Maybe just get some singing lessons. And next time choose a different song to murder.’ She laughed ruefully.
Kitty knew to leave things there and not to push. ‘I think that’s a very good idea.’
They walked in companionable silence for a while and Kitty tried to immerse herself in the present, noticing the nature around her. The ground felt soft and springy below her feet, and as she listened to birdsong she realised she could hear the rumble of water. ‘Do you hear that?’ she asked Olivia excitedly.
‘Yes, we can’t be far away now.’
‘Hey, guys,’ said Logan. ‘As you can probably hear, the falls are near. And that actually rhymes. As well as being a tour guide extraordinaire I’m also a bit of a poet, don’t you know it?’
Kitty giggled and felt her cheeks colour as he looked back at her and smiled.
