Two Kinds Of Truth(52)

“Do ye want me to come with ye, in case ye bump into Ally again?”

“No, I’ll be fine, thanks. Besides, I won’t be long.”

I make my way down to the water’s edge. There’s barely a sliver of moonlight but I can hear the water gurgling downstream. It tinkles along over and between the stones, the sound giving me a moment of pure serenity. A biting wind is heading down from the mountains and I pull my cloak a little closer, taking a swig of beer as I stare out into the darkness, my imagination sweeping me away. I’m now waiting for a huge barrage of men to break through a veil of creeping mist, seeing the clansman, their faces covered in mud and deadly weapons in their hands.

A firework whizzes through the air, drawing my gaze. It explodes with a whistle and a bang, then silver stars and a colourful rainbow fall from the heavens, a trail of grey smoke lingering in the air. When my gaze lowers, I notice the crowds are starting to disperse. A lot of the children have gone to their beds, and there, sitting on the ground, a few die-hards cover themselves with tartan blankets and waterproofs to help keep the cold at bay. Many others have moved closer to the bonfire, still burning, still crackling and popping with life. I sense no one really wants to go home. There’s a real sense of belonging here.

I search out Bridget and spot her, sitting on a camping chair, a glass of something resembling red wine in her hand. I stand still and rest my gaze upon her. There’s something rather charismatic about her. She’s all the things I’d like to be: confident and self-assured, the kind of person people are drawn to like a magnet. She’s alluring and poised, and tonight, sitting there by the fire, her silhouette has a golden aura to it. She reminds me of a beautiful but as yet to be discovered orchid, her form oozing a unique mixture of delicacy, sensuality and intoxicating beauty. I’m in awe of her, and as though she senses me watching, she turns around and waves. I’m soon beside her, and she points to a blanket upon the ground, where I sit, cross-legged, by her feet.

When she points to a drink under her chair, I shake my head and lift my bottle of beer.

“I’m good,” I say, and we both turn and stare towards the stone.

“I think it’s simple but effective,” Bridget says. “And it always amazes me how the stone brings all walks of life together.”

I nod and take a sip of my drink. “I find it a little eerie,” I confess. “You know, how the stone draws everyone to it. And this place, the people, it’s as though I’ve known every person here forever.”

“That’ll be the beer talking,” Bridget chuckles into her glass.

I smile. “Perhaps. But I certainly feel like we’ve met before.”

“Maybe we have; in another life.”

“Do you believe in such things?”

“Oh, yes, and in so much more.” She places the glass down by her feet and lets out a deep sigh. “Can I ask you something?”

I sense a shift in the conversation and turn to face her. “Sure; what is it?”

Her eyes pierce through mine and her mouth gains a seriousness. “The man you’re with; do you love him?”

She’s caught me off guard and I let out a cough and a splutter.

“Are you, all right?” she asks and pats me firmly on the back. I regain my composure and wipe the tears from my eyes, but I also avert my gaze.

“Erm…maybe I’d better not drink any more of this stuff,” and I pour the rest of my beer over the ground.

Bridget slides to the edge of her seat. “Maddie, look at me.”

I feel myself stiffen.

“I sense you do; love him, I mean.” I stare up at her, the light from the flames flickering across her face, and I see a seriousness about her.

I shake my head vigorously. “No. You’re mistaken. I’m married to Jamie’s brother, Callum. They’re identical twins. Perhaps you got them mixed up?”

Bridget sits back in her chair. “But he loves you.”

“Who, Jamie?” She nods and I burst out laughing. “Seriously, I understand how you dabble in love rituals and stuff, but you’re way off the mark this time.”

She taps the side of her nose. “I think you’re wrong, because I know something you don’t.”

“Oh, yeah, like what? After all, he’s my husband’s double, so there’s bound to be some chemistry between us.”

“No. That’s not it.”

“It isn’t? So, tell me.”

Bridget leans closer, her face just inches from mine. “Because of what Jamie wr—”

“Och, there ye are. I’ve been looking for ye everywhere.”

I’m startled by the intrusion and look up to see Jamie standing there.

“Oh, hi. What are you doing here?”

“Looking for ye. Rhona and Gordon are ready to go home.”

I jump to my feet. “Oh, right,” and I stare apologetically at Bridget. “Sorry, I’d best go.”

Bridget nods and slides her fingers inside an invisible pocket. I turn to leave but she calls “Wait” and jumps to her feet, takes a step towards me and presses a small piece of paper into the palm of my hand. “It’s my number; ring me. I’m here until the end of next month.”

I pull a frown. “I’ll be leaving in a few days.”