‘Just think how much you’ll enjoy it later,’ said Logan. ‘Where’s Liz today?’
‘Ah, she has blisters. Really sore too. She didn’t want to hold the group back.’
‘Oh, that’s such a shame,’ said Kitty. ‘Isn’t she disappointed to miss out?’
Adam thought for a minute and shook his head. ‘I don’t think she’s too gutted. She’s booked a facial and a manicure at the spa.’
Olivia burst out laughing. ‘I like her style.’
Just then Logan’s mobile rang. ‘Hello,’ he said, frowning as he listened. ‘Okay. I understand. Thanks for letting me know.’
‘Everything okay?’ asked Olivia.
‘Well, yes and no. Fred and Tom already let me know last night that they didn’t fancy Goatfell. They want to see the castle before they leave so they’re doing that instead. We were two down anyway. And that was Jill saying she and Richard can’t come either. Her knees are bothering her, and Richard is insisting he stays with her.’
‘Oh well,’ said Adam, clapping his hands together and shrugging. ‘We’ll just need to crack on with it, then. I guess we’re the last ones standing.’
Kitty could feel Logan’s eyes on her, and she dropped her gaze to the ground. Keeping her distance was going to be almost impossible when there were only the four of them.
‘Okay. Well, Adam,’ said Olivia, ‘I’ll walk with you for now, as I want to know more about Sydney. I’ll ask you lots of questionswhile I’m still able to talk. I was there briefly last year on a tour and it’s a place I definitely want to go back to.’
Kitty could have throttled her. She knewexactlywhat her friend was up to.
‘Do you want to walk with me, Kitty?’ asked Logan.
‘Sure,’ she said, trying to sound as casual as possible. She would be having words with Olivia later.
‘The route is well signposted and visibility looks good today. The forecast certainly doesn’t suggest otherwise, but as you know things can change rapidly. ItisScotland. Adam and Olivia, you lead the way. We’re right behind you.’
They soon fell into a comfortable pace, with Adam and Olivia walking briskly ahead.
‘I’m sure this won’t take as long as it would if the group was bigger,’ said Kitty, now struggling to know what to say.
‘True. Normally we would keep stopping to give folks a chance to catch up. It does get a bit more challenging near the top with all the scree. But the four of us are fairly fit, so I don’t think we should have any problems.’
They walked in silence for a while as they ascended up through woodland. Kitty occasionally stopped to turn around and marvel at the view behind her.
‘There is another lovely walk on the island if you and Olivia fancy it while you’re here,’ said Logan as they approached another sign for Glen Rosa. ‘If you follow that it will take you on a circular route through the edge of the forest. You feel as though you’re in the middle of the Highlands. And you get great views of Goatfell. Without the huge climb.’
They continued up the path and Kitty found herself starting to relax. ‘How long have you been doing this?’
She listened intently as he told her about his time in the Navy and how his love of the outdoors led him to working outside. ‘I can’t imagine doing anything else,’ he said.
‘Do you miss having a permanent base?’
He shook his head. ‘Not really. I mean, I guess I kind of do have a base. It’s just that I’m never there. I have a small, annexed cottage, more of a studio really, next to my sister’s house in Perth. I have two older twin sisters. But she, Lucie, has taken to renting it out on Airbnb, as she says I’m never there. I guess she’s right and the income is quite handy. If I do want to go back, I usually have to give her lots of advance warning to make sure it’s not occupied, which doesn’t really work with my erratic planning. So usually I end up staying with her or my other sister, Bridget.’
‘That actually sounds quite liberating,’ said Kitty. ‘Just suiting yourself and having the freedom and courage not to conform to expectations. That’s something I’ve always admired.’
‘I suppose it’s a bit different for me as I don’t have kids,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘I don’t have anyone depending on me. But I do love spending nights in different places, whether it’s a cabin in the woods or a youth hostel on one of the islands or even a tent. There’s nothing better than waking up next to a waterfall or sleeping under the stars and then sipping coffee under the shelter of the trees.’
Kitty sighed and allowed herself a small smile. He did have a certain way with words that wasveryattractive.
‘Don’t get me wrong, I usually relish time alone, especially after doing a tour, but at times it can get a bit lonely.’ His eyes rested on her. ‘How about you? Have you always lived in Rosemarkie?’
Kitty hesitated.
‘Sorry, just ignore me if I’m being nosy. You don’t have to answer that.’
