“How are you?” Maw shouts, nearly breaking my eardrum.
“You don’t have to shout, Maw, I can hear you just fine.”
“Och, sorry.” She chuckles. “You’d think I’ve never used a phone before. How are you?”
It’s rare when she does use a phone, though. If she wants to talk to someone, she usually just walks over to them. The only person she talks to on the phone is her sister, and that’s pretty much it.
“I’m doing fine.” I twist my water bottle in hand, staring down at the fizz tablet that’s reacting to the water. “How’s holibags?”
“Lovely, lovely. We had the most wonderful chicken today. I asked the waitress for the recipe, and she said they didn’t do that.”
“Yeah, Maw.” I push my hand through my hair. “It’s not like the Admiral, where you can go up to Alasdair and ask him for his piecrust recipe.”
“Well, it should be. We paid enough. You would think they’d allow you to take home the recipe.”
“Where exactly are you?” I ask.
“Oh now, now, none of that business.”
“Don’t you think it’s well mad that you’re in another country and I don’t know about it? It’s not settling well with me, Maw. I’m worried, ye ken?”
“You have nothing to worry about, Rowan. We’re safe.”
Yeah, well, easy for her to say.
I take a deep breath, trying not to grow frustrated with my parents and stress them out. “Given what’s happened in the past, I’d assume you would be more sensitive to me fretting about the well-being of my family members.”
A sigh. “Rowan, I promise you, you have nothing to worry about.”
“Why won’t you tell me?” I ask, sounding harsher than I wanted.
“Just drop it, Rowan,” Da chimes in with his stern voice.
And now that he’s spoken up, it’s done. But I don’t think it’s nothing to worry about. They’re not saying where they are. Da sounds weaker. Something is going on, and it’s really starting to concern me that they aren’t involving me in their lives.
I press my fingers to the bridge of my nose. “Fine, but you’re being smart? Taking all precautions? You know how people can treat tourists, especially older ones. They take advantage.”
“We’re not that old,” Maw scoffs. Old enough. “And yes, we’re being safe. Now, let’s talk about you. Shona was telling me how you’ve become familiar with Bonnie. She couldn’t remember who was who at first, but she described her as the long-haired blonde.”
Fucking Shona.
“I’m not familiar with Bonnie, whatever the hell that means.”
“Well, that’s not what I’ve heard. Seems like you’ve been carrying her all around town. Going on hikes. Apparently, you appeared from the trees all muddy and wet. Care to explain? She assumed you two were rolling around together.”
“Shona shouldn’t assume and just keep to herself. We were stuck in a rainstorm, got wet and muddy. That is all.”
“You two danced together.”
Jesus Christ, does she have a camera crew following me around?
“You know, you don’t want to talk about where you are, and I don’t want to talk about Bonnie—got it?”
“Watch your tone, lad,” Da cuts in again.
“You know, I have to go. I have some things to do.” I stare down at my fizzy water.
“Oh, okay, dear. Well, stay in touch, and make sure the lasses are taken care of. Anything they need, lend a helping hand.”
“Uh-huh.”
“We love you, Rowan.”
Exasperated, I blow out a low breath. “Love you too.”
I hang up my phone and take a look at the time. Little past six thirty. I could use more than just an electrolyte water at this point. I could use an entire bucket of beer.
I stand from the sofa, head to my bedroom, and pick out some fresh clothes before turning on the shower. I’m heading to the pub.
Friday night at Fergie’s Castle is always packed, but Hamish opens up the doors and allows outdoor seating during the summer. Makes the space less crowded, and having a few pints with the loch lapping at the shore across the way is soothing.
Because everyone is at the pub on Friday, I put on a nice pair of jeans and a simple white button-up shirt, making sure to roll the sleeves up to my elbows. I’ve styled my hair for once and am about to leave when I quickly spray a bit of cologne that I never wear. My friends might appreciate some cologne.