Page 36 of Entwined in Norway

‘Thanks.’

‘Hey, I’m sorry I snapped.’

‘You said that already.’

‘I know. It’s a horrible habit. I felt like that’s all anyone said to me for a long time.’

‘I think it’s the first time I have.’ He could see the hurt in her eyes.

He nodded and took her hand. ‘I have a hard time remembering my manners when my leg hurts, but it’s not an excuse.’

She nodded her acceptance, and they locked eyes in a moment of shared understanding.

‘Was this okay? Staying to eat pizza with your family?’

‘I like that you suggested it. It’s nice to hang out with you like this. It’s more relaxed.’

He realised that the handful of other times they’d been together, apart from last night, she’d been working. ‘It is. This place is wonderful. What a view.’

‘I definitely take it for granted. I’ll miss it one day when we’ve sold this place. What’s it like where you live? I imagine Canada is as mountainous and snow-covered as here.’

‘Some parts of it definitely are like that. My place in Banff, in the winter is basically in the middle of a ski resort. But where my parents live is in the city, on the outskirts. There are a few trees lining the street but that’s it as far as scenery goes.’

‘Did you ski as well as snowboard?’

‘I started out skiing, then when I was thirteen I begged my dad for a snowboard lesson and that was it. I was in love.’ He chuckled, remembering the feeling, almost like a revelation. ‘Do you ski?’

‘I do cross-country but I don’t like downhill. I feel out of control.’

‘That’s what I love about it. And that’s what I miss the most. I don’t think I’ll find anything that makes me feel like that again.’

‘You will.’ She said it with such certainty that Erik wanted to ask her what she knew that he didn’t. Because he was just as certain that he wouldn’t.

He shook his head. ‘I don’t know, Ida. I think I just have to accept it otherwise I’ll be a self-pitying fool for the rest of my life.’

Ida reached for his hand. ‘You’re not a fool, Erik. You’re grieving for the life you had. It takes time.’

He nodded and looked out at the fjord because if he looked at Ida and saw the kindness in her eyes, he might crumble.

‘Oh, look. There’s Mats.’ She pointed to a small motorboat that was making a beeline for them.

‘He’s having fun renovating those cabins. Is he doing one for you?’

‘I hope so. And I hope it’s next on his list so I don’t have to commute in all weathers.’

Mats came bounding up the steps, beaming. ‘What are you guys doing here?’

‘Emil’s making pizza so we decided to eat with you.’

‘That’s great!’

Ida was looking at Mats with an expression Erik would have said was a death stare if he was still in high school.

‘Relax, Ida. We can behave ourselves. I’ll jump in the shower and then get started on the pizza. I’m sure Emil’s only interested in the toppings.’ Mats went inside.

‘You look angry with him.’

She sighed. ‘I don’t want this to turn into an interrogation. They’re far too excited about you being here.’