I order another beer but a coke for Ivy. She’s driving. Besides, if things head in the usual direction between us, we’ll end up in a bed together. I don’t want a drink to stand in the way of that.
“Hey, what happened to my gin and tonic?” She frowns at the glass I place down for her.
“You have your pride and joy to think about, or have you forgotten about that already?” I tease.
“Actually, I was enjoying myself and not thinking about much past that.”
I raise my glass. “To enjoying ourselves then.” I toast.
“Cheers,” Ivy joins in, happy enough that it’s not alcohol. “So, apart from Norway, what’s next for you?”
“I doubt Norway will happen. It’s last minute, and I had intended to hang around for a few weeks before taking off.”
“Catching up to do?”
“Something like that.”
“Well? Go on,” she prompts.
“My mum’s sick. I went to visit her as soon as I was back. We don’t have the best of relationships.”
“Oh, tell me about it. My father had a complete go at me at lunch. I’ve never seen him like that, and all because I asked him a question or two.”
“Occupational habit with you, I guess?”
“Well, there is that. How’s your mum now?”
“Cross with me. But, I’ve not been there when she’s needed me, so I have some bridges to build.” It’s the truth and something I don’t want to abandon so quickly to chase icebergs.
“What about other family? Is it hard to be away for so long and do a dangerous job?”
“The job isn’t dangerous. Not if you make sure you take the necessary precautions.” I give her a pointed stare because we both know that Ivy was anything but careful when we met.
“Being in any war zone or travelling to a country that our government advises against, is the very definition of dangerous. Even if you’re you. Besides, you were in the Army before taking snaps freelance. That’s got its risks.”
“Sure, but it was my choice. It’s what I wanted.”
“Any ex-girlfriends that are waiting to hear you’re back?”
Rationally, I know she’s only looking for a snippet into my life, but her question is a little raw, and I don’t want to be in the spotlight any longer.
“No. What does your brother think about you running all over the world?”
“He doesn’t get a say in what I do. Although, if he knew the details of our original meeting, he’d probably have me put under house arrest. If you’ve been away from home for so long, it must be nice to reconnect with people.”
“Sometimes.” I take a drink, thinking back to the conversation with Dan and all the ways I still feel guilty. Especially now I'm sitting here with Ivy again.
“Seriously? You’ve been away for years, and you’re finally back. There’s got to be more than that? Your mum is obvious. What about your father? You’ve not mentioned him or your army buddies.
“I saw a friend on Saturday night.”
“Ohh, adventurous. Any other plans then? You’re already questioning Norway,” she pushes.
“Look, are we done with the twenty questions?” I pick up my beer and take a swig, fidgeting on the chair.
“Excuse me?” The shock on Ivy’s face is evident, her whole demeanour changing at my words.
“I’m sorry, but I’m a fairly private guy.”
