Having fully enjoyed and admired the local scenery, the travelers returned to the boat, and soon landed back at the pier from where their sea journey had begun. After saying goodbye, they headed home. Megan was thrilled about her day and eagerly awaited her meeting with Derek. At dinner with Glenn and Warren, she only drank tea, claiming she wasn't hungry. She didn't want to mention the dinner invitation. Thanking her friends for a wonderful day, she wished them a good night and went to her room.
11. Uncertainty
Ensuring the corridor was empty, at precisely 10pm., she left the castle. He was standing in the same spot as always, waiting for her. Black trousers and a black shirt made him almost invisible in the dark. Megan was unaccustomed to seeing Derek dressed like this; he always wore a kilt before.
“You look great in that style. I like it,” she said admiringly.
“Thanks for the compliment, you look great too.”
Derek embraced her and they began climbing the hill to the restaurant.
“How was your day? What did you do?”
“We went to the Orkney Islands. Such a beautiful place. Scotland is full of surprises. In just a few days, I've come to love this country. I don't understand why I hadn’t visited earlier. You’ve been to the islands, right?”
“Yes, several times. I like it there too. I think those places have a special allure, even magic: tranquil silence, enchanting nature, and powerful energy from the ancient stone giants,” his eyes lit up with the warm glow of memories.
“And what about you? Have you traveled a lot?” asked Derek.
“Yes, quite a bit. My mom loved warm countries, so we often traveled in winter, sometimes in summer, to lie on the beach and bask in the sunshine. So, you could call me a holiday expert,” she said with feigned seriousness. “We spent a lot of time in Cuba, flew to Thailand, but Italy has touched my soul the most. Oh, the emotions, passion…rhythm! And all that coexists with tranquility.”
Megan's face lit by a tender smile, as she became lost in thought. “And how do you feel about traveling?”
“I have visited all the capitals of Europe. So, I understand your feelings about Italy, even though I'm not a big fan of it.”
“To be honest, I'm terribly afraid of flying; I always feel more comfortable on the ground than in the sky or on water. That's why I don't really like long-distance travel. Our flights to Thailand and Cuba were tough for me. Aren't you afraid of flying?” Megan asked.
“No, not at all. Actually, you could even say I rather enjoy the process of flying.”
“Lucky you!” Megan said with a hint of envy.
“Indeed,” he remarked with a slight note of sarcasm.
They entered a small but cozy establishment. The place was furnished with lacquered tables covered with white-and red-checkered tablecloths, and massive chairs upholstered in rich mahogany fabric. Warm, subdued light filled the room, emanating from candlesticks attached to the wooden walls. Pleasant music played from the back of the hall, creating a unique atmosphere of comfort and charm. The few guests at the restaurant were mainly locals. They looked over the newcomers from head to toe and, taking them for tourists, quickly lost interest.
A friendly waiter greeted the couple. He led them to a small table by the window, where they could enjoy each other's company without interruption.
“Could I recommend something to you?” the waiter asked?
Megan and Derek exchanged glances and understood each other without words. The girl happily left the management of the evening to her companion.
“Bring us a bottle of your best red wine,” replied Derek.
The waiter took the order and left the guests, returning a few minutes later with a bottle of exquisite Italian Barolo.
The lovers continued their conversation.
“I still don’t know the most important thing about you!” Derek suddenly exclaimed. With silence as a response, he continued, “I don't know your food preferences. Being a pro in the restaurant business, I assume it's not easy to please you.”
“Actually, no. I'm not picky about food. At my establishment, I usually eat whatever the chef prepares. When on vacation with my mom, we always tried local dishes. And having arrived at Castle Mal and getting acquainted with the local customs, I've become a real fan of your cuisine. The way they prepare game and fish here is wonderful; I really liked it. And what about you? What do you like?”
“In that aspect, we're alike; I'm also not very fussy about food.”
At that moment, the waiter returned. He quickly but carefully filled their glasses with rich red liquid. After arranging the meat dishes with a side of potatoes and vegetables, he wished them a pleasant meal and left.
“To our first dinner together?” Derek proposed, with a raised glass at Megan.
“To our first real date!” she added.
After taking a sip of wine, they noted the waiter's excellent choice and started their meal.
“How was your day?” she asked Derek.
“Quite ordinary, nothing special. Who did you go to the islands with?” he unexpectedly asked, changing the subject.
“With my cousins, Glenn – Warren's wife, and his friend.”
“What friend?” Derek asked a bit tensely.
The girl shrugged, “I don't know, a long-time friend of Warren. He happened to be at the restaurant where we had our family dinner. That's where we were introduced. Are you jealous?” Megan asked teasingly.
“No, just curious,” he smiled back.
“His name is Craig, and he works for a shipping company. When he found out we were going to the islands, he decided to join us. Quite an interesting guy, easy to talk to.”
“Interesting…” Derek slowly repeated, cocking his right eyebrow.
“Why do you look like that? He's interesting to talk to, nothing more,” Megan laughed, pleasantly flattered by Derek's slight jealousy.
“I'm glad it's nothing more,” he said with a smile, looking straight into her eyes.
There was an awkward pause between them for a moment.
“Have you had any serious relationships with women before? Like, a long-term commitment or marriage?” Megan calmly asked, trying to hide her inner turmoil.
He paused before answering, his face once again becoming an impenetrable mask, making it impossible to read any emotions.
“I’ve had a serious and long-term relationship…” he continued to look into her eyes as he spoke.
Derek was hesitant, afraid to accidentally hurt Megan's feelings. He chose his words with utmost care. However, the pace at which she asked her questions threw him off balance.
“How long ago did this relationship end?”
“A long time ago.”
“Did it cause you pain and suffering?”
“Not the relationship itself, but the consequences.”
“Do you feel better now?”
“Definitely,” he replied, now smiling.
“Do you still love her?”
He watched Megan closely, noticing a flicker of fear in her eyes. She feared his answer to this question, afraid he might say “yes,” and he understood that.
“Too many years have passed…” he said slowly. “Let's leave the past behind and talk about us instead. I feel like I've known you all my life. Do you feel the same?” he asked calmly, with a slight smile and a squint in his eyes.
“I do,” she replied, satisfied