Evan pops a piece of cheese in his mouth, the blueberry goat cheese, and chews. When I tell you that Marsdale is famous for their cheese, they’re not lying. I’ve filled up on so much dairy these past few weeks that I feel like I could milk myself at this point and create my own cheese.
“They had business to attend to. I have no idea, but they said my presence was required.”
“And if your presence wasn’t required, what would you be doing?” I ask.
“Building a stone wall.”
I give him a disbelieving look.
“What?” He laughs. “It’s true. I’ve been working on a stone wall.”
“In the dead of winter?”
“The cold never bothered me.”
“Are you a Disney princess?”
He chuckles. “Nah, but seriously, the cold really doesn’t cut through me like I’m sure it cuts through you. You’re from the beach somewhere?”
“Miami, Florida. And yes, the winter has nearly frozen off my limbs.” I almost say nipples, but thanks to Keller’s constant berating, I went with something more public friendly.See, I have self-control and decorum.Although, I’m not kidding about the nipple thing.
“Big culture shock. What else has been different since you’ve moved?”
“Uh, let’s see. The love for cod. I’m not mad about it, but I’ve never seen a country so adamantly in love with a fish before. The weather, clearly. The seasons and daylight. The customs and traditions. Although I love them, they were different at first. And then of course, the restrictions that come with being the future queen. Oh, and I miss Target.”
“What’s Target?” he asks, nearly stabbing me right in the heart.
Who doesn’t know what a Target is? Good God.
“Only the mecca of all stores. Come on, Evan,” I say, exasperated. “Think of anything you might need. Bed sheets, deodorant, socks, fungal cream, strawberries . . . you can find it all in Target. It’s a shopper’s dream. One-stop shop.”
“Wow. Yeah, we don’t have those in Torskethorpe. I couldn’t imagine what that might be like. Probably saves on time, rather than going to many small stores.”
“I wouldn’t know what that’s like either. Not that I’m complaining, but I don’t get out much.”
“Maybe you should plan to have a day when you get back to Torskethorpe that focuses on visiting all the little shops along a main street. Might be a fun experience. Plus, the community would probably love to see you.”
“That’s actually a really good idea,” I say.
“See, an interesting conversationalist. Aren’t you happy you grabbed some cheese with me?”
“I think I might be.”
* * *
“So areyou going to tell me about your medals?” I ask Evan. Our cheese is now finished, the vodka has barely been touched and replaced with a glass of wine for me, while Isabella and Marit are working the room, shaking hands, and taking a break from dancing. But I’m sure it won’t be a very long break.
He glances down at his chest. “Just some shiny things that attempt to establish me as important.”
“Well, are you?” I ask.
“Not as important as you,” he answers with a charming smile.
“Debatable,” I reply. “So were you in the military?”
“Secret operative actually,” he says.
“Really?” I ask, standing taller. “Like . . . Tom Cruise inMission Impossible?”
