Page 20 of Entwined in Norway

‘I guess I’m good at it. But it’s not boarding.’

Ida could sense the heartbreak within him, and it made her own heart ache. How was it that a man she hardly knew could have such an effect on her?

‘So what do people do for fun around here?’

‘If we’re talking about right here, probably read a book, maybe have a glass of wine with their dinner.’

‘And further afield, say where you live?’

Ida wracked her brain to think what she would do if she were a normal thirty-three-year-old who lived in Loddefjord rather than a virtual recluse. ‘Maybe go to Bergen for dinner, or to the local bar for a drink.’

‘What do you say?’

Ida stared at him, sure that her heart had stopped beating. Was he asking her out? Surely she had the wrong end of the stick. He was asking for suggestions about where he could go.

‘Would you go out with me, Ida? Show me how Norwegians really live? Think of it as a proper apology.’

Okay, so he was asking her. She almost said there was no need, but thankfully, the emotions running around inside her took over. ‘I’d love that,’ she said, hoping she sounded exactly the right amount of keen, without having any idea how that would sound.

‘Great. What time do you get off work?’

‘Maybe we should take the first boat over to Bergen late this afternoon and then you can catch the last one back.’

‘That sounds like a plan.’

They walked back to the hotel together. Ida quizzed Erik on where he’d like to eat.

‘Somewhere with great Norwegian food. A place the locals would go.’

‘Leave it with me. I’ll book something.’

‘Thanks, Ida.’ He gave her a smile that melted her insides and headed up to his room.

Ida pulled her phone out and went into the office.

‘Ingrid. I think I have a date tonight. I’m going straight from work, but Mats is coming back here later, and I can ask him to bring me something else to wear. What should I wear?’

‘Is it the Canadian?’ Her youngest sister was the coolest person Ida knew. She always looked effortlessly chic, whereas Ida hadn’t the first clue about clothes, make-up, or anything like that. Hence, the phone call.

‘Can we stick to the reason I called?’

‘I can’t advise you unless I know what he’s like.’

It sounded plausible.

Ida sighed. ‘Yes, it’s the Canadian. He’s a snowboarding joiner.’

‘Okay. Sporty. Good physique?’

‘Yes.’ All Ida could think about was seeing him exit the water. It was playing in her mind on a loop.

‘Where is he taking you?’

‘I’m taking him to Fjellskål.’

‘You mean business, Ida!’

‘He wants local. That is the best place.’