They pulled in at a layby on the edge of Lochan Lairig Cheile and both got out of the car. Without saying anything, as if equally drawn to the water, they walked through the sparse pine trees to stand by the loch. Izzy took in a deep breath, feeling the cold air filling her lungs as she looked up at the craggy hills surrounding them and the wisps of mist that danced above the pine trees packed in together along the water’s edge. Izzy poured them each a strong dark coffee. ‘There’s milk in the cool bag, if you’d like some.’ She indicated the small bag at her feet.
‘You are organised. Have you a packet of sandwiches wrapped in greaseproof paper like my granny always used to make?’
She tapped him with her hand. ‘You cheeky wee beggar. No sandwiches but you can have an apple if you’re good. I’ve done this drive a few times now so I know there’s no handy Starbucks or Costa. But it is beautiful. I can never decide which is my favourite bit.’ She smiled and sighed, looking at the range of hills in the distance silhouetted in purple and greys against the skyline. ‘Every time I do this drive, my heart sings at the beauty of the scenery. The landscape is so much bigger than us and it’s endured so much more than we can imagine. It was here before we were and will be long after we’ve gone. It puts all our puny problems into perspective, don’t you think? It never fails to fill me with awe.’
He turned, a slow smile spreading across his face. ‘That’s exactly how I feel. I’m not sure I can go back and live in the city again.’
They shared a smile, the sort of smile when two people are completely in accord, and Izzy felt her heart quicken. She took a quick sip of coffee, deliberately breaking their gaze to scan the waves rippling in the light wind.
‘Only an hour to Edinburgh. What time does your meeting start?’
‘I’ve to be there at ten.’ His eyes assessed her in that careful way of his, as if he knew or suspected what was going on in her head, but he followed her lead with the deliberate change of subject. ‘According to the sat nav, there’s been an accident on the M9, so we’ll take a diversion over the Kincardine Bridge, which will take us via Dunfermline. Not ideal, but I’ve left plenty of time.’
As they crossed the Forth Road Bridge, the familiar sight of the dull red painted trusses of the Forth Bridge came into view. It wasn’t the prettiest bridge but it was a testament to the ingenuity and engineering of a bygone age that had created a beautiful city and it always signalled coming home to Izzy whenever she’d been further north.
‘Where do you live in Edinburgh?’
‘Morningside,’ said Ross, glancing at his watch.
‘I love Morningside. All the lovely terraced houses. My friends live on Braid Hill and have a beautiful place. There are some great cafés there.’
‘Mmm.’
She glanced at Ross’s profile. He seemed focused, his gaze fixed on the road, his movements clipped and precise; even the way he flipped the indicator control seemed to be sharp and snappy.
‘Does it take you long to get into the city in the mornings?’ she asked.
‘Not too bad.’ He shrugged.
‘How long does it take?’
‘Twenty to fifty minutes. Depends on traffic.’ This time his words were definitely brusque. It was like pulling teeth. Why had he suddenly become so uncommunicative?
‘Big meeting today?’ she asked with a touch of sympathy. Maybe he was stressed about it now they were nearly there.
‘What?’ He sounded preoccupied.
‘The faculty meeting you’re going to.’
‘Erm … yes. Sort of.’
‘I’m sure it will be fine,’ said Izzy, trying to be reassuring.
‘I’m sure it will.’ He gave her a vacant smile but he was clearly miles away.
Izzy decided not to bother him with inane chatter but he was the one to ask the next question.
‘Where shall I drop you off?’
‘Are you parking at the university?’
‘Mmm.’
‘Which part? I don’t mind walking from there. I’ve got all day.’
Ross turned to her. ‘I was planning to park in St James Quarter. There’s a multi-storey there.’
‘Great, although isn’t it away from the university buildings?’
