Page 29 of The Typo

‘Yep, although I wish I hadn’t because it’s far too close for comfort, so I’m telling myself that it’s not very scientific. I’m normally fine with storms, but it feels a bit different when you’re sitting in a very large, very metal boat.’

‘I can imagine. When it’s stormy here, I like hunkering down under my duvet and feeling all cosy as the rain falls on the roof, which thankfully is not metal.’

Cameron laughed. ‘That sounds lovely and relaxing. Actually, when it’s stormy at home, I usually end up heading out with my camera. As long as it’s safe, of course.’

‘The siren call of the lens?’

‘Yes, that’s a good way of describing it. It definitely exerts a power over me.’

‘It must be nice being able to make your passion your profession,’ I said, before I could stop myself.

‘Well, you know what that’s like,’ said Cameron, who fortunately seemed to have missed my faux pas. ‘Photography’s not always sunshine and flowers, or I guess penguins and whales in my case, but the good days definitely outweigh the bad ones. I hope that’s the same for you?’

‘Sure, I know what you mean,’ I agreed vaguely, deliberately swerving his question. ‘Speaking of penguins and whales, did your crop of eager photographers leave their voyage happy with what they’ve achieved?’

‘I hope so. They took some fab pictures, and seemed happy when they were saying their goodbyes. I expect we’ll find out the actual truth when we see the feedback forms. Sometimes people can be a bit bolder when they’re writing stuff down, and say things they wouldn’t dare say to your face, both good and, sadly, bad. I guess that’s the equivalent of you waiting for your reviews to come out?’

I cleared my throat. His words had struck rather close to home. ‘Something like that. Oh, by the way, I spotted a picture the other day which made me think of you.’

I proceeded to babble on about a random snap in the paper, trying to steer the conversation away from the potential danger. Fortunately, he listened with enthusiasm, and asked interested questions.

‘Thanks for sending that beautiful picture of The Watcher statue by the way,’ said Cameron. ‘I loved the way you framed the amazing rock formation in the bay. I imagine that’s home to a lot of birds.’

‘It is. In fact, it won’t be too long until gannet season. Thousands of them normally gather there. It’s quite the sight. And the noise. I always imagine they’re having a good gossip.’

Cameron laughed. ‘That sounds about right.’

‘Speaking of birds, you owe me some penguin pictures,’ I said, emboldened by his kind compliment of my photography skills. ‘I’m hoping you’ve got a shot of them pebble pinching, because I still can’t believe cute creatures could be capable of such behaviour.’ I took a breath, ready to ask him to send me a picture of himself while he was at it. But before I could get the words out, he started speaking again.

‘I’ll have to check. I knew there was something I needed to do. Hold on a min, I’m going to write a note to remind myself to do it when the internet’s playing ball.’

‘Anyway, I’m relieved you liked it,’ I said. ‘I felt quite apprehensive sending my amateur effort to a professional.’

‘Well, I’m glad that it didn’t stop you sending it. I promise I’m the last person to be judgy about photos. You definitely have an eye for a strong image.’

As the conversation relaxed back into a natural flow, my death grip on my phone started to lessen, and although I was still a bit concerned about potential minefields, I found I was thoroughly enjoying chatting with him. Cameron was a good listener, genuinely interested in what I had to say, and was thoughtful and amusing with his own answers. And despite the fact that we had only communicated in written form previously, we seemed to have an understanding, perhaps even a shorthand, which made us flit easily between different topics, sparking off each other in a way which I would never have expected. It was a cliché, but I would have happily stayed up all night talking to him, my senses heightened as I luxuriated in the sound of his voice and the easy way we could make each other laugh. I told myself not to get carried away, but I couldn’t help marvelling at how it was possible to feel such a powerful connection to someone I was still yet to see or meet.

‘Was that a yawn I heard being smothered?’ asked Cameron, after I paused briefly in the middle of telling him about my favourite walk in Edinburgh.

‘Sorry, that was rude of me. I promise it wasn’t because I’m bored.’

‘No, it’s me who’s been rude making you stay up so late.’

‘You didn’t make me do anything,’ I corrected him gently. ‘Although if we’re being strictly accurate, it’s early morning now rather than late night. But I’m enjoying staying up in the wee small hours with you.’

I mustered my courage, ready to suggest arranging another call, this time hopefully a functioning video one.

‘Shall we—’ I started to say, just as he went, ‘I should?—’

‘Sorry, you go first,’ I said.

‘I was going to reluctantly suggest we call it a night, or rather morning. There’s a … um, meeting that I have to attend in the morning. To be honest, I’m dreading it and I’d rather forget the whole thing and carry on chatting. It’s wonderful talking with you, Amy.’ Cameron hesitated, and when he started speaking again, his voice had softened. ‘If it doesn’t sound strange saying this after just a phone call, I enjoy your company. And if it’s not presumptuous, I’d love to have more of it.’

‘It’s not presumptuous at all,’ I said quickly. ‘I’ve loved speaking to you too. It’s meant a lot to me. Perhaps we could do that video call when you get back from your next voyage.’ I hesitated, then voiced the tentative thought which had been growing throughout our chat. ‘And of course, if you fancy visiting another chilly climate once you finish your contract, you wouldn’t go far wrong with Edinburgh.’

‘Sounds great. It’s a date.’

His words hung in the air between us. I wondered if his pulse was quickening too.

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