‘Don’t be daft,’ said Logan unconvincingly. ‘It’s early days . . .’
‘What’s the problem, then? Is your love unrequited?’
Logan shook his head in frustration. ‘James, will you be serious for just a minute, please?’
‘Okay, I’m sorry. I’m all ears.’
‘There’s definitely something there, and there was almost a moment last night after we left the pub . . . but we had to get her housemate home. That’s another story. But I’m leaving the day after next to do the Loch Lomond tour and . . .’
‘You’re wondering what to do because you’re a nomad? And because it’s been a while since you asked a woman out?’ suggested James.
Logan nodded. ‘I told her that I’m back in Arran a couple of times over the summer. But I don’t know if that’s enough.’
‘Enough?’ said James questioningly. ‘Do you mean for her or for you?’
‘I don’t know,’ admitted Logan. ‘Maybe me.’
‘Look, one step at a time. How were things left last night?’
‘Well, I said I would get in touch so we could meet for a coffee or a drink before I leave.’
‘And have you done that yet?’
Logan shrugged. ‘I don’t know what to say.’
James shook his head in exasperation. ‘I can’t believe you’re sitting here telling me this. You must have it bad, buddy. I’m assuming you have her number?’
Logan nodded.
‘Just say something along the lines of,Are you free later for a drink? Or tomorrow if that’s easier for you?Then the ball is in her court.’
Logan took a deep breath and stood up. ‘Okay.’ Then he abruptly sat down again. ‘Do you mean now?’
‘Why not?’ said James. ‘No time like the present. And let me wage a bet that, if she is keen, she’ll have replied by the time you’ve finished your coffee with me.’
Reluctant to wait any longer, Logan quickly typed out a message.
Hey, Kitty. Hope you’re okay and Olivia’s head isn’t too sore this morning. About that drink. How about later tonight? Or tomorrow if that would work better for you? Logan
‘Do I add a kiss? Or an emoji?’ he asked James.
‘How do you normally sign off texts?’
‘Just with my name.’
‘Stick with that, then. Don’t start going all weird already. Save that for later.’ James couldn’t stop himself from chuckling.
‘I know, I know, you’ll have a field day with all of this.’ Logan pressed send and then put his phone down on the table next to him.
‘It’s a good thing you’ve got so many tours planned here this summer,’ said James. ‘Otherwise, can you imagine what state you’d be in?’
Logan took another sip of coffee, his eyes flitting between James and his phone. ‘Did I mention that her cousin is Fergus?’
‘Fergus in Lamlash? What a small world. Well, he’s a great guy, so based on that we can assume that this Kitty is a good woman. So you better not mess this up.’
Logan nodded, his stomach a knot of tension. He just hoped she was the type to send a rapid response and not leave him hanging. ‘Sorry, mate. I’m not being a very good friend. I’ve not even asked how you’re doing? How is work and how is Amy?’
‘Great,’ he said with a beam. ‘We’ve just booked a holiday to Crete in September. I think we’ll both need it by then. She’s had a lot on with the building works and her dad and—’
