Page 58 of Entwined in Norway

‘Just over a week, something like that.’

‘Ida!’

‘What?’

‘I… I don’t know. It’s just a surprise. You’re the sensible one and you’re helping a guest to have a holiday romance.’

‘It’s not that sensible. He’s going to leave in a few days and I’ve been trying not to think about it.’

‘Have you talked about after?’

‘No. I’m not sure he’s ready for an after. I’m not sure I am. I need to sort myself out. Find somewhere to live.’ She pointed her glass at Thea. ‘Maybe we could look for somewhere together?’

‘No offence, but I’m looking forward to getting my own place.’

‘Me too.’ And that was true, Ida realised.

‘Look, I can find somewhere in town to stay tonight.’

‘Absolutely not. Although me and Erik ate at the restaurant at Hangurstoppen so we don’t have much to offer you.’

‘Oh that’s okay, I brought food with me, but not enough to share.’

‘I’m sorry I was cross with you,’ Ida said.

‘It’s okay, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I was moving back down here.’

They hugged each other.

‘So he’s a snowboarder? He’d be happy living here, he doesn’t need to go back to Canada.’

If only it were that simple.

‘He had an accident so can’t compete anymore. He’s having trouble coming to terms with it.’

‘What made him decide to come here?’

‘There’s some link to his great-grandfather. It looks like he may have worked on the farm back in the day. I think he came to find out.’

‘Mats’ farm?’

‘Yes, I think so.’ As Ida explained to her sister, something began to niggle her. As if there was something she was forgetting.

‘And has he? Found out?’

‘I don’t know the details. He’s been to the archives in Bergen. He has a newspaper article and a map.’ Ida thought back to the document wallet she’d seen on the bed. Before Erik had whipped it away. Suddenly, it seemed important.

‘And you’re going to be okay after he leaves?’

‘Probably not. But it’s been amazing. I’ve been lucky to have this time with him. Get myself back in the game, you know?’

‘Good for you.’

Erik poked his head around the door a few minutes later, as if he were checking that the coast was clear.

‘Come and have a glass of wine with us,’ Thea said.

‘I picked up some groceries,’ he said. ‘Just in case.’ He presented a huge bag of crisps, a bunch of bananas and some waffles.