Bridge of Hope

by Lisa J. Hobman

  I just bloody loved the place and couldn’t hide the fact. Or at least I had before Mallory had shown up and stolen what was left of my smashed-up heart. I was torn between running away and staying put to see what happened. And besides, the thought of not being near her was not one I contemplated with ease. Although for the next few weeks it was going to be something I had to face.

  On Tuesday evening I left the boat after a successful day and went for a walk. The weather was lovely and I was making my way to the bridge to catch the stunning view as the sunlight danced on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. It was one of my favourite vistas.

  I spotted Mallory struggling with bags and bags of shopping, and before I could think or stop myself, I was making my way toward her.

  “Hi, matey. You seem to have been busy today.”

  “Yes, I have. I think I’ve bought most of Oban. I only went for essentials.” She cringed and her cheeks turned pink.

  “Are they for your trip?” I asked, trying to sound happy but failing miserably.

  “Yes, they are.” Her face brightened and she smiled widely. “Oh, by the way, thanks so much for agreeing to have Rubes. She and Angus will have fun. You coming in for a coffee?”

  “Aye, why not—as long as I can make it? You can do me a fashion show if you like.” What the fuck am I doing?

  “Oh, I don’t think that’s necessary. You’d be bored. I only got jeans and tops. Apart from one dress that I couldn’t resist.”

  Following her into the house, I didn’t give up. “Tell you what, you go put that lot somewhere and try your dress on. Maybe you need a second opinion, eh? I’ll make the coffee. Your coffee’s not as good as mine anyway.”

  “Cheeky. Okay, if you’re sure.” She picked up the bags and headed for the stairs.

  “Oh. I’m positive. It’s the worst coffee I’ve tasted.”

  She smirked at me but tried to hide her amusement. “I meant about the dress, you cheeky sod.” Sticking out her tongue at me, she took her bags away to her room. I went into the kitchen and filled the kettle. Opening the coffee canister, I gagged at the smell. I really needed to educate the girl. But for now I’d put up with the ghastly stuff. Pulling down a couple of mugs, I spooned in the greyish-brown granules that looked more like instant gravy powder than coffee.

  I heard, “Tadaaaaaa!” and I swung around. My heart leapt and my eyes bugged out of my head. She stood there in a fitted red dress that hugged her every curve the way I wanted to. Suddenly I was envious of the fucking thing. She looked stunning. There was no other word for her. Stunning.

  Without speaking a word, I trailed my gaze down her body to the black strappy sandals adorning her pretty feet and I swallowed hard. A familiar surge of blood southwards had hampered my thinking process, and I realised she had drawn her arms around her body self-consciously.

  “Oh, God, I look ridiculous, don’t I? I knew I shouldn’t have shopped alone. I always make stupid decisions.”

  My eyes snapped up to meet hers, which were now filled with regret. Say something, you tit. Anything. Use your fucking words, McBradden! “Ah, no, no… ah… Mallory… you look… I mean… you’re… um… wow.” Well done, you arse.

  “Is that good wow or wow I can’t believe you were so stupid?”

  My brain fought to respond to her question. “Erm, I’d say it’s a good wow… definitely good.” Fuck, I have to leave. This was a bad idea. I can’t be here. I backed away from the kitchen and began to walk toward the front door. “Anyway, I should go. I’ve remembered I need to… ah… goodnight.” I slammed the door behind me and took a very deep breath, running my hands through my hair.

  Looking down at the bulge in my pants, I hissed, “And you didn’t fucking help, did you? One track mind you’ve got. Well, of course you have, you’re a penis, but that’s not the point!”

  I stormed across to the pub and straight into the men’s room. Closing the door on a cubicle, I sat on the toilet lid and rested my head in my hands. Images of Mallory sprang to mind to torture me, and I smacked myself in the forehead to try and get them out. I was acting like a sodding lunatic!

  I groaned as I remembered the way the slinky red fabric had grazed her full breasts and swept over the curves of her hips. She had the perfect hourglass figure and all I could think about was running my hands down her body as she lay naked in my arms. To see her gaze up at me longingly and lovingly… Argh! Stop it!

  I have no clue how long I sat there, but after splashing my face with cold water and making my second brain calm down, I went and sat at the bar. I was due to start at 7.30pm but she was going to be there too. Shit! I needed to get away. In some way I knew I was overreacting but it didn’t matter. Seeing her was something I couldn’t face right now, and putting miles between us seemed the most logical thing to do. Irrational maybe but still logical. If I couldn’t see her, I couldn’t feel things I didn’t want to feel… Okay, so that wasn’t strictly true… I could still think—but at least I wouldn’t have to see her as well.

  “Are you okay, Gregory? Your cheeks are flushed. Are you coming down with something, hon?” Stella asked, concern lacing her voice.

  “No… no, I’m not. Look Stella, I need some time off. Is that okay? Just a few days. I need to clear my head.”

  “If you need it, Greg, then take it. But please be back for when Mallory goes, eh?”

  “Sure. Of course.”

  She placed a glass with two fingers of amber liquid before me. “Looks like you need this.”

  I lifted the glass to my lips and stared into it for a moment. Deciding not to resort to my usual method of escape, I lowered it again.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  The door to the pub burst open and I heard heavy, stomping footsteps coming toward me. That familiar flowery scent hit me.

  Mallory.

  “What the hell happened to you back there?” she demanded.

  I closed my eyes, unable to look into hers. “Mallory, not now, okay?”

  “Yes, now. What did I do?”

  With as much venom as I could muster, I snapped back at her, “Oh yes, ’cause the world revolves around you now, doesn’t it, eh?”

  She gasped and I felt like shit. I made the mistake of glancing in her direction and meeting her pain-filled eyes. “That’s unfair, Greg. All I want to do is understand. You said I should show you the dress, so I did. Then you went all Weirdsville and naffed off.”

  I couldn’t answer. What could I say?

  “Okay, have it your way. I’ll just keep out of your way tonight, okay?”

  I continued to stare into my glass, swirling the liquid around; I still hadn’t touched the whiskey. “No need. I’ve got the rest of the week off, so I’m leaving for a while.”

  “Oh. Right… what am I to do about Ruby, then, for my holiday? Do you know of a boarding kennel? Thanks for dumping me in the shit, Greg, really smooth.”

  I glared at her as my stomach twisted into knots and my fists clenched. “Don’t fuckin’ worry, I’ll be back by Friday. God forbid I should let you down and disappoint you again, eh?”

  She threw up her hands in exasperation. I couldn’t blame her. “Oh, whatever, Greg. I can take her somewhere else.”

  I almost growled my next words. “I said I’d have her and I will. Bring her to mine at five Friday. I’ll be there.” And without saying anything further I stood, slammed my glass of untouched single malt down, and walked out.

  ~~~

  I needed to get away and there was no time like the present. When I arrived home, Angus followed me around the house as I grabbed clothes and shoved them into my duffle bag. I had no idea where I would go; the Buckle didn’t feel like the right place. Wherever I ended up, I wanted to be outdoors, so I pulled the tent out of the under-stairs cupboard and carried it and my bag out to the car. After selecting a few CDs to take with me, I called to Angus and we climbed into the Landy.

  There were so many emotions swirling around my head that I didn’t know how t
o handle them. I chewed on the inside of my cheek as tears stung my eyes. What the fuck was I playing at? She was infuriating! And I hated that she affected me this way. I just wanted it to stop. I needed to grieve and then get on with my life. Mallory was a complication I couldn’t cope with. Even though it wasn’t her fault I was falling—had fallen—for her.

  Slipping a CD into the slot, I turned the key in the ignition then cranked up the sound and inhaled a calming breath. The heart-breaking lyrics of “3 Libras” filled the car and I set off. Unsure of where I was going but desperately needing to get there.

  ~~~

  Night fell and after a couple of hours of driving, I was seeing signs for Mallaig. It seemed like as good a place as any. I located a small but crowded campsite on the edge of the town and drove in.

  I was greeted by a pretty woman with bright blue eyes. Her long black hair was streaked with a blue similar to her eyes, and she smiled widely when I stepped inside the reception cabin. It struck me how similar her eyes were to Mallory’s, and I shook my head to dislodge the errant thought. I was here to get away from her, not to compare every woman I saw to her.

  “Look I know it’s late, but I was wondering if you had a small pitch available for a few days. I know it’s short notice.” I cringed, expecting her to say no, judging by how busy the small site was.

  “One sec… I think we had a cancellation earlier on. I heard my dad on the phone, so let me just check the system.”

  She tip-tapped on the computer in front of her and smiled again. “You’re in luck! Just one spot. It’s a large pitch in the quiet area if that’s okay? At least that means you can set up right in the middle and have some privacy, eh?”

  “Oh, that’s great. Thank you…” I glanced at her name badge. “Thank you, Trina.”

  “No problem. The thing is, it’s a bit late to be hammering in pegs just now so you’ll have to keep the noise down.” It was her turn to cringe now.

  “Would it be easier if I maybe slept in the car tonight and set up tomorrow? So I don’t upset the neighbours?” I asked with a smile.

  “Well, that’s entirely up to you.”

  I’d slept in the Landy before so it was no big deal. “Yeah, sure. No worries.”

  “Great. Can I get you to fill in a registration form, please?” She handed me the form and a pen and then stepped around the counter. “Awww, who’s this handsome chap?” she asked.

  Feeling playful, I didn’t look up, but instead I answered, “Oh, my name’s Greg, nice to meet you.” I glanced up and I smiled.

  She laughed at me. “I think you know I meant the dog, Greg.”

  “A fella can try though, eh? He’s Angus and he’s a lot more trouble than I am.” I winked at her. What the hell am I doing? Fucking idiot.

  She bent and scratched Angus’s head before straightening up and fiddling with her blue-streaked locks and biting her lip. “So, what brings you to Mallaig, Greg?”

  “Ah, just needed a wee break. You know how it is.”

  “I do, yes. What are your plans while you’re here?”

  “No idea. I thought I might do the local pubs tomorrow, you know, sample the local beer. Although it’ll be a bit like a busman’s holiday, considering I work in a pub myself.”

  She looked thoughtful. “Have you eaten? There’s a great burger place up the road if you fancy it. They’re open late.”

  Fuck me, she’s not backward at coming forward… reminds me of someone I’d rather forget. Oh well, in for a penny as they say. “That’d be great, Trina. I could eat a horse.”

  She giggled. “Will a beef burger do?”

  I shrugged and chuckled. “I suppose. Are you heading up that way now?”

  “I am. I just need to lock up. You can leave your car out front.”

  She went about closing up the place and removed her name badge, placing it on the counter. We stepped out of the building and locked the door.

  “Are you sure you want to escort me for a burger? You don’t exactly know me,” I said, suddenly wondering if this was a mistake.

  She stopped and put her hands on my shoulders. “Okay, Greg. I’m a black belt in karate and I teach self-defence at a women’s centre. So don’t try anything funny and you’ll be fine.”

  I widened my eyes. “Shit, maybe it’s me that should be worried. Don’t take advantage of me, will you?” I joked in a feminine tone. She slapped my arm playfully and we set off.

  It was strangely comfortable walking along the road with Trina. She seemed sweet and had a sexy figure, so it was no hardship chatting to her.

  We arrived at the burger joint and I ordered food for both of us and a couple of patties without bread for Angus, who was waiting patiently outside. I was pretty sure I shouldn’t have done that, but as soon as we’d got near the place and he smelled food, he was drooling and staring at me with his big brown eyes so I couldn’t resist.

  After handing over the money we stepped outside and walked over to a wooden bench to eat.

  “So, what did you need a break from back at home?” she asked as we sat there.

  “Long story,” I replied through a mouthful of burger.

  She nudged me. “I don’t have to be anywhere. I’m a bit old for a curfew.”

  I heaved out a long breath. “I needed some space from… someone. A woman. Mallory. We’re friends but… well, things have been a bit tricky recently.”

  “Ah. I see. Friendships between men and women can be difficult. I hope you get it sorted when you get back.”

  “Me too. Anyway, I don’t really feel like talking about her.”

  “Look, I don’t normally do this… but… I live on the site in a caravan. My folks own the place, and I run it most of the time although today was my last day for a few, so.… Look, what I’m trying to say is, do you want to come back to my caravan for a drink or something?”

  “Or something?”

  “You know… a drink, and we’ll see where things go?”

  “Trina, I’ve known you for an hour. You don’t know me from Adam. This isn’t exactly a safe situation for you to be in.”

  She laughed. “The fact that you’re saying that tells me you’re not dangerous. And like I said, I’m a martial artist who knows how to take a man down.”

  I sat there listening to her, thinking that this was crazy. But then again, I was single. I had no ties. And I was looking for a total break for a while. She seemed nice and I didn’t have to have sex with the woman unless I wanted to.

  “If you’re sure. That’d be nice, thanks.”

  “Come on, then.” She held out her hand and pulled me up to my feet.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Back at Trina’s home, she opened the door and flicked on the light. It wasn’t like any caravan I’d ever seen. It was far more luxurious, rather like a small apartment. The décor was neutral and she had pretty much everything she would’ve had in a one-bedroom flat.

  “What can I get you to drink?” she asked as I glanced around my new surroundings.

  “Whatever you’ve got.”

  “A glass of single malt?”

  “Really? I wouldn’t have taken you for a whiskey drinker.”

  She smiled and bit her lip again. “It’s my dad’s, actually. I’m not keen. I think I’ll have a glass of red wine.”

  “Oh, right.” I suddenly felt old. “Wine will be fine for me too.”

  She poured two glasses of Shiraz and handed one to me. We both sat in silence on the coffee-coloured sofa at one end of the caravan. I felt out of place.

  “Can I ask… how old are you, Trina?”

  She laughed at my question. “Don’t fret. I’m thirty. I just look young, which can be a blessing and a curse really. Can you believe I still have to show my driving license before I can buy wine? It makes me laugh.”

  I’d relaxed a little. “So what are you doing on your days off? Any big plans?”

  “Well… there’s this guy who’s new to the area and I thought… maybe he might like a
tour guide?” She stared at me expectantly.

  “Oh, right. Right.”

  “I mean, I don’t have to, obviously—”

  “Oh, no, that’s fine. That’d be nice, thanks.” I glanced at the clock and it was already heading for one in the morning. “Look, I should go really. I’ve a date with a sleeping bag and a car seat.” I chuckled.

  “Look, sleep on the couch. Set up your tent tomorrow morning when you’ve had a decent night’s sleep, eh?”

  I scrunched my brow. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive. It’s fine. I’ve taken pity on you. Not all women are trying to drive you mad, you see?”

  I laughed and shook my head as she went into what I presumed to be her bedroom and returned with a fleece blanket and a pillow.

  She held them out toward me. “Here you go, Greg. Bathroom is through there and if you need anything in the night my room is through here. Help yourself to tea and coffee and anything you fancy to eat.”

  I cringed. “Trina, this just doesn’t—”

  “I’ve said it’s fine. Don’t worry. Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight. And thanks again.”

  I lay awake for quite a while, knowing that being in the home of some woman I’d only just met was not the best idea I’d ever had. But eventually I drifted off.

  My eyes fluttered open and I was surrounded by an expanse of white. Completely disorientated, I sat up and peered at my surroundings until my eyes finally settled on a red figure in the distance. Scrambling to my feet, I squinted at the figure, trying my best to focus on it. It was then that I heard her screaming my name. Horror washed over me and I began to run toward her as quick as I could, but my legs felt weighted down, making it difficult to run. Cold seeped into my bones and when I glanced down, I realised I was shirtless and wearing only my boxers. Why was I outside in the snow in only my underwear? Confusion took over for a moment until the screaming stopped.

  When I returned my focus to the girl again, she’d gone and panic rose within me. Who was it and why was she screaming? I’d let her down. She was gone and it was my fault for losing concentration. My eyes darted around me as my heart pounded at the inside of my ribcage. I could hear her calling my name again, over and over, but I couldn’t see her. My breathing had become erratic and I suddenly couldn’t move my feet at all. I flailed my arms madly, trying to make myself move, but I was cemented to the spot in the freezing white landscape.