“Just water. Thank you.” Her associate tries to look pleasant.
I order. It’s a small café, independent and mainly serving the tourists who visit, not that there are many during this time of year when the weather is wild.
When I sit down next to them I see the ring on Majjie’s finger, probably placed so I’ll notice it.
“Congratulations.”
She leans over to kiss me, something she hasn’t done in as long as I can remember.
“Thank you. We wanted to tell you in person. And to let you know that you’re going to be an uncle.”
I’ve never imagined Majken having children. Never thought about a family that extended beyond me and her and Dad.
It stopped with us. Too much bad blood running through the other veins.
“Congratulations again.”
Her eyes blaze. “You could sound a bit more excited.”
“Babies aren’t my thing. And to be honest, I didn’t think they were yours.” I sit down, not bothering with a drink for myself. I don’t want to be here long enough to finish it. The wind is getting up and I want to get back to the place I’ve started to call home.
“They are now. Have you met Alek before?”
I make eye contact with the man whose brother I killed.
“Once or twice.”
He doesn’t smile. And to be fair to him, he doesn’t look any happier to see me than I’d expect, nor is he trying to hide it.
“I hope you take care of my sister.”And I wish you all the best with trying to do that.
“I’m sure you’re going to offer you’re full support to her. Become closer as a family.” His words are cold and I remember why I hated his brother so much.
“I think our family became distant some time ago.” I look at Majjie. She knows what I’m referring to.
Majjie doesn’t flinch. “But you’re going to be an uncle. I know you’ll want to make sure this baby grows up with what we didn’t.”
“Have you told Dad?”
Her expression waivers. “Not yet. No.”
“Do you want me to tell him?”
“I’d rather wait a little longer. I’m not three months yet. I don’t want to get his hopes up.” She rubs her stomach that still looks flat, but I don’t have much of a clue when women start to look pregnant.
“I’ll wait for him to mention it to me. Funny I should meet you out here. What brings you to Skye?”
Alek takes hold of Majjie’s hand again. “You do. Don’t pretend you’re a fool, Ben. We both know you’re not. We wanted to talk to you about your friend.”
“Majken can tell you I don’t have friends.”
“Fuck buddy then. Whatever you want to call her.”
“Heir to the Scottish throne? Princess? Up to you. I doubt she’d give a shit what you called her though.” I tap on the table.
“But clearly you do.” Alek leans forwards.
“It doesn’t matter whether I do or not.”
