“Amazing.” Duncan took a drink from his glass. “I do admire the hard work that goes into what ye do.”
“Thanks,” Ami said. “So tell me about what you and Chris do. He never talks about his work. Not that I’ve ever really asked him.”
“It’s really not that interesting, actually. We do some research on ways that plants survive different damage. Cell structure research. There’s a lot of chemistry and biology involved. A pretty sterile environment with a lot of repetition. I must admit I’m always excited when the work day is over and I can head home.”
“What do you do for fun?” Ami asked. “Do you have any hobbies?”
“Gaming count as a hobby?”
“It could,” Ami said, frowning slightly. “Or it could be an obsession.”
“I take it you’ve known someone with an obsession?”
“You’re good,” Ami said. “He picked the game over me. But he still lives in his mother’s basement, so it ended well for me.”
“Dodged a bullet, it seems.”
“I sure did.” She looked at him as if waiting for him to speak. He considered for a moment bringing up Lorna and Mairi, but the waitress arrived with their plates and set them on the table. Her gaze caught the mound of haggis. Her eyes widened. Suddenly the thought of eating the traditional Scottish dish didn’t sound like such a good idea.
“It’s a might better than it looks.”
“I hope so,” Ami said. She touched her fork and hesitated a moment, and then picked it up with her slender fingers. “Here goes.” She poked at it for a second, took a scoop, and put it in her mouth.
“And?” Duncan asked after she chewed for a moment.
She nodded as she swallowed. “Not bad. Weird texture, but the flavor is great.”
“Excellent. Ye pass. Now ye can tell yer kids ye’ve eaten something not many have tried.”
***
As they left the restaurant, Duncan offered her his arm again. She took it, not wanting to be out of place, but still not sure if it was him or the culture. And she didn’t want to ask Jessie or Chris anything about it when they got home. They would read too much into her time with Duncan. He was a handy way to pass the time until she was needed.
The sky was still mostly clear, but she could see a few clouds out toward the ocean.
“You in a hurry to get back?” Duncan asked.
“Not really,” Ami said. She was only a little tired, which was odd, considering what time it was back home. She knew she’d be wiped out tomorrow, but for now, she was going to enjoy the energy that came from being in a new country with someone interested in showing her around.
“They usually have some musicians playing down the street a little at a small park. Care to go see them?”
Ami nodded, glad she’d brought a jacket with her. For early June, this weather felt cooler than fall back home. The sights, sounds and feel of the area made her heart dance with joy. As they worked their way down the cobblestone walkway, she peeked in the windows of all the shops they passed.
“I’m going to have to come shopping in this area while I’m here.” She paused in front of one window, spotting a gorgeous necklace with an intricate design. “Ooh, look at that. It’s so pretty. I just love how everything here is so ancient and timeless. It’s like I’m connected to the past and I’m not even from here.”
“Ye know, I’ve heard people say that before.”
“From all the tours you give to the stranded American women at the airport?”
“No, lass, ye’re the only one of those.”
“Happy to hear it. I’d be worried about the state of American women if we all got stranded at the airport.”
Duncan chuckled. Before he could say anything, she caught the sound of music playing up ahead. A beautiful guitar solo caught her attention. She loved music but only managed to take piano for a couple years before she gave up. She could tell whoever was playing had loads of talent. She picked up her pace and Duncan kept right to her side.
When they passed one of the old brick buildings, she saw the small crowd gathered around a couple guys on some folding chairs near a statue.
“I don’t believe it,” Duncan said.
“What?” Ami asked.
“I know these two. Was flat mates with one of them for a couple years.” He took her hand and pulled her with him. “Let’s go say hello.”
She followed him easily as he worked his way past a few people milling around the area, chatting with each other. When they reached the musicians, they were just finishing up the song. The group around them clapped and a few tossed some money into the open guitar case before moving on.
“Duncan!” One guy with a dark beard shouted when he spotted him. “Perfect timing. Ye’ve got to join us in a couple songs.”
“Ho, no. I’m no fit for any singing.”
“Nonsense,” the other guy said. He strummed a couple chords and wiggled his eyebrows. “Ye know ye want to.”
Ami turned her head in time to see Duncan smile. He glanced at her. “Do ye mind?”
“Mind? No way. I’m dying to hear what you’ve got to offer.” She pushed him forward a little to help encourage him. Duncan moved eagerly enough that she knew he loved this kind of stuff.
When he opened his mouth to sing, she knew she was in trouble. His voice warmed her enough that she no longer noticed the cool evening air. His deep tones blended well with the music and though she didn’t understand the words, she felt them deep within.
They transitioned from that song to another without more than a few moments as the crowd grew in size. Duncan smiled as if enjoying himself. She could see the performer in him just dying to get out. Instead of flaunting it like crazy, he seemed to wrap all that talent up in a perfect package of skill and humility.
The crowd clapped when they finished, and Duncan’s two friends begged him to sing another.
“No, I should be getting back to Ami.”
“Ami, love. Tell him you don’t mind.”
Ami smiled. “I don’t mind at all.” She pulled out some pounds to place inside the guitar case. “That’s the best I’ve ever heard.”
“Hear that, Duncan. Ye’ve got to stay. At least one more.”
The crowed still gathered around nodded their agreement and Duncan sighed, but nodded. “Just the one. I’ve got to get this little lass home a’fore she falls asleep where she stands.”
Ami looked at him, wondering if she really looked tired, or if he were using her as an excuse. Either way, she probably should get back to Jessie’s house. She didn’t mind, when he finished, that he insisted they go. Duncan shook hands with his friends and waved to the crowd as he walked away.
“That was amazing,” Ami said as they left the group still hanging around the guitar players.
“Ye’re too kind.”
“No, I’m serious,” Ami said. “I’m thoroughly impressed. You could make money off your voice.”
“I don’t think I’d have the interest in that. Though I do love singing when the time is right, I wouldna like the idea of putting all my effort into something like that. Just not me.”
Ami nodded. “I can understand that. I’ve never wanted to be my own boss. I’d rather be paid for my work. I’d rather have someone else worry about all the ins and outs of running things, though I do love having control in my own classroom.”
“Would you ever want to be headmaster?”
“Like a principal?” Ami asked, hoping she understood what he meant. When he nodded, she shrugged. “Not really. There is a whole lot more work to it, and most of it would be dealing with problems. I love my principal, but I would never want to take her place.”
They talked about her school and she told him the size of it, the number of students she typically had, and what kinds of things she taught in her grade.
A light drizzle started a few blocks before they reached his car, and by the time he opened the door, she was glad to get away from the dampness. When he got in, he di
dn’t seem bothered at all by the rain. Living here, he was probably used to it.
“Music?” Duncan asked.
“Sure,” Ami answered, wondering what he’d pick. She was surprised it didn’t sound a lot different than what she heard on the radio. Maybe not the same artists, but the style was really similar with not a bagpipe to be heard.
Ami turned toward Duncan. “Do you play bagpipes, by any chance?”
Duncan chuckled. “No. Not with any skill. I’ve attempted it a couple times, but my mum wasna a fan of them so she forbid us from learning them. Da never cared much for them either.”
Ami sighed. “Darn. I was hoping to be able to hear some authentic bagpipes while here. Guess I’ll have to keep searching.”
“I do know of people who play them. I would be happy to act as tour guide for all your Scottish needs.”
Ami smiled, wondering if she should tell him she also wanted to see a hot Scot in a kilt. She decided against mentioning it and instead thanked him for the offer. “I’d be very grateful for your assistance as a guide, but I wouldn’t want to be a burden. I have no problem taking the official tours. I budgeted funds specifically for that.”
“For the official ones, sure, but to just go sight-seeing and get the inside scoop, ye’ll be wanting someone like me. That way ye could save yer money for all the wee trinkets and souvenirs ye’ll be wanting to take home.”
“That is awfully nice of you. I appreciate that. When things get all settled after Jessie, Chris, and the baby get home, we’ll have to make some plans.”
“And ye’re here until August?”
“End of July, actually.”
“Then we’ll be sure to give ye the vacation of yer life.”
When Duncan winked at her, she knew it was already a once in a lifetime experience. Even if she never saw him again after tonight, she knew she’d remember this first day in Scotland for the rest of her life.
CHAPTER SIX
Duncan struggled to stay focused at work. He knew he shouldn’t be so obsessed with Ami. She was only here for a short time then would be heading back to America, but he really wanted to call her. While Chris still hadn’t returned to work, and he didn’t want to interfere with life trying to find its way to normal after a new baby went home, he couldn’t help wondering how much Ami needed to be there. Would he get in trouble for asking her out?
She was the built-in nanny for the summer, or that’s how Chris had kind of described her when he’d mentioned his sister-in-law was coming to help. After discovering that this nanny was highly attractive, he wanted nothing more than to take her away from the reason she’d come and show her around Scotland.
He had her number, but he talked himself out of texting her too many times. Duncan took a drink from his mug. I’ve got to stay focused. He returned his attention to his work and managed to keep himself on track for most of the next hour. When he checked his email and saw a flier for a concert at the university featuring bagpipes the next night, he knew he had an in. As soon as work ended, he called her number, It went directly to voice mail. He left what he hoped was an intelligible message, and then he texted her.
Interested in a concert featuring bagpipes? There’s one tomorrow if you’d like to go with me.
There was no response for hours. As he was about to give up hope of getting a reply, he got a text.
Intriguing. Tell me more.
Duncan smiled. I left a message on your phone.
Shut the call feature off because of mobile plan and traveling.
It made sense. Duncan should have thought about that. He texted her the details and asked if she wanted to go.
Love to.
Though he’d asked tons of girls out and had dated plenty, those simple words sent a thrill of excitement through him.
Shall I take you to dinner as well? There are lots more things to try other than haggis.
I’ll never say no to food.
Good to know. Duncan curbed his excitement and didn’t push to meet her sooner. He wished her goodnight and started making plans.
***
Duncan knocked on Chris’s door, hoping Ami would answer so he wouldn’t have to talk with Chris about taking out his sister-in-law. As luck would have it, Chris himself answered the door.
“Come on in, Duncan.” He stepped back. Duncan walked in and looked around hoping to see Ami ready to go.
“She’s still getting ready,” Chris said. “Jessie saw what she was wearing and told her to go change.”
Duncan blinked. Chris chuckled but didn’t elaborate. Duncan glanced at the sleeping baby in a little swing. “How are things with the wee bairn?”
“Exhausting,” Chris said, smiling. “Yet I’m loving it. I’ll tell ya, man, I never thought I really had it in me to be a father, but there’s just something about holding your own child. He’s so little, but so perfect down to the ten little toes.”
Duncan nodded. “I’d be afraid to break ‘im.”
“They’re pretty sturdy, actually. Floppy as all get out, but he’s a feisty little thing. Especially when he’s hungry.”
Ami and Jessie entered the room, saving him from needing to talk about a baby. Though he had nothing really bad to say about kids, he didn’t know enough to make conversation. Watching Chris transition from just a guy to a father was interesting, to say the least.
Ami grabbed a jacket that Jessie held out to her while Duncan played with the keys in his jacket pocket. “Ye ready?”
“Yup.” Ami turned to her sister. “Thanks. Don’t wait up.”
Jessie chuckled. “No worries there. We’re gonna crash as soon as possible and see if this little man will leave us be for a few hours.”
“Good luck,” Ami said. She joined Duncan as he moved toward the door. He held it for her and caught a glance of Jessie and Chris giving each other a look. They both smiled, and Chris winked at him. Yeah, he knew it. When Chris returned to work, he’d be sure to hear all kinds of things about dating his sister-in-law.
“How’s it been with the new bairn?” Duncan asked her.
“Oh, he’s adorable. I always get to hold him and take care of him when he’s sweet so Jess can get some sleep. Most of the time, I’m just there to help with keeping up the house and cooking meals.”
“Any issue with me taking ye away tonight?”
“No, there’s plenty of leftovers for them. And I’m excited to get out of the house. I don’t usually stay inside so much. Even the chance of rain isn’t enough to stop me from going.”
“If rain was enough to keep ye inside, ye’d never see much here.”
“Good thing I don’t melt.”
Duncan looked at her. “Like the wicked witch?”
“Exactly.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” Duncan opened the door to the car. They chatted easily again as he drove to the restaurant. Through dinner, she entertained him with stories of teaching school while he told her stories of adventures he had avoiding getting in trouble with his teachers.
She was so full of life and excitement, he thoroughly enjoyed the meal. She raved enough about the food and the tastes and textures that he admired the joy she found in the simplest things. He found himself tasting the food like he’d never noticed before. Duncan never considered himself boring or lifeless, but the more time he spent with her, the more alive he felt. He couldn’t wait to get her to the outdoor concert and see what she thought of it.
***
When they pulled into a parking lot near campus, Ami tried to take in everything she could, from the styles of cars to the trees and bushes lining the walkway, to the students and people walking around. People of many different nationalities were there, and she loved seeing the openness of the world around her.
The sky was overcast with a slight chill to the air, but the jacket Jessie had given her was doing a fine job keeping her comfortable.
When Duncan joined her after she climbed out of the car on her own, he offered his hand. She happily took it. “
This place is beautiful. I can’t get over all these buildings made of stone and brick. And you’d think all the grays and earth tones would be boring, but the green plants and the lighting add a depth to it you don’t find where I’m from. Everything at home feels so sterile. This feels alive.”
“I never thought of it that way,” Duncan said. “But with the city being as old as it is, I suppose you’d get a sense of it being a living entity.”
“I absolutely love this place. I can totally see why Jessie and Chris are so happy here.”
“I’m glad ye like it. I’m quite fond of it myself.”
They worked their way toward the arena where the concert would be performed. One side of the stadium was closed off since the performers would be facing only one way, and Ami couldn’t help comparing it against the stadium at her university. It was a lot smaller, but she was sure it would be perfect for the music.
Duncan paid their entry fee and led her to some seats near the front as close as they could get with the crowd that had started to form. Ami enjoyed listening to the sounds of the crowd as they talked with each other. The deep baritones of the men blending with the higher voices of the women around them were beautiful. Most of the words flew too fast for her to really understand, but she loved catching the difference in the way they pronounced the vowels compared to the way she taught them to her students learning to read.
She’d attempted to speak a little with a Scottish accent, but only managed to make herself laugh at her mistakes. She could listen to it spoken for hours.
Before long, the crowd quieted down as the musicians took the stand. She saw a variety of instruments besides the bagpipes and some drums, but what caught her eye was all the men wearing kilts. With most of them being rather fine-looking young men, she couldn’t take her eyes from the stage.
They tuned the acoustic guitars and a few other instruments she didn’t know the names of, including a long, funny-looking tube. As the pipers got into position, the sounds of the pipes filled with air. It had a different feel to it than when an orchestra tuned, but she tingled in excitement for the authenticity of the event.
Never Trust the Rain (Destined for Love: Europe) Page 4