‘What? You have come to Reykjavik in December with nowhere to stay?’
‘It wasn’t exactly my choice.’
‘What? Someone is forcing you to be here?’ He took a side glance at her, checking her expression.
She laughed. ‘Whoa, keep your eyes on the road. Nothing dramatic or dark romantasy. I would have been sure to whisper a safe word already.’
‘Well,’ Gunnar said. ‘You did ask me if I had wine very early in the morning.’
‘Yes, well, that is Duolingo’s fault. Or rather the lack of Duolingo.’ She let out an irritated sigh. ‘This apartment has gone! It was there and available last night.’
‘Many other people with last minute plans they have been forced into like you,’ he suggested, putting on the indicator and moving across a roundabout.
‘You’re quite judgemental, aren’t you?’ she said.
He didn’t need to see to know she was looking at him. He could feel it. But her accusation wasn’t true. He could feel the tension of the morning sitting on his shoulders still though. Magnús’s nosebleed had been nothing compared to Hildur’s fall and the trip to the hospital. And there was still no word about the X-ray…
‘I am sorry that you feel that way.’
She laughed. ‘Oh my God. You know those kinds of “apologies” aren’t really apologies at all. In fact, they undermine people’s feelings.’
And despite the noise of the coach’s engine, her voice was sailing free for any of the nearest travellers to hear.
‘You called me judgemental,’ he reminded.
‘OK, perhaps I should have said “critical” instead. My apologies.’ She groaned again.
‘What is wrong? Does it hurt to say sorry?’
‘No, another Airbnb place evaporating before my eyes because I’m wasting my time spatting with you.’ It sounded like she hit some keys on the laptop.
‘Apologies but not my fault.’ Silence prevailed and he glanced her way. ‘You would like some help to find a place?’
‘Do you know someone who would be helpful? Someone who wouldn’t knock into me like I’m a bowling pin and burst my suitcase too.’
He smiled. ‘I did repack your case.’
‘Badly.’
‘Well, if you find somewhere to stay you will be unpacking it again very soon.’
This was a different conversation to what he was used to should the bus be full and someone had to take this ‘jump’ seat. He couldn’t deny he was enjoying it.
‘So, do you?’ the woman asked.
‘Do I what?’
‘Know someone helpful that will know somewhere I can stay for a week or so.’
‘I can be helpful to you in that way,’ Gunnar answered. ‘What do you look for? One room to sleep?’
‘By myself, buddy.’
‘I meant, one room or an apartment?’
‘I’m… not sure.’
‘So much forward-planning has gone into your visit here. Are you even sure you are at the correct destination?’
