Page 30 of A Summer of New Beginnings
‘Damn right,’ Carrie chipped in.
‘That doesn’t mean she wants awomaninstead, Caz.’ Joan laughed.
‘No, I know that, you daft bat. I just mean she doesn’t need a man. That’s all I’m getting at. I mean, look at what she’s doing. She’s all alone in the Scottish Highlands on a bloodypushbike. She’s a rock star!’
Joan nodded. ‘Carrie does have a point there. You are brave. And you must be bloody strong-willed, Zara. I don’t think I’d have agreed to it. Probably would have lost my job instead.And I don’t mean just because you’re female. I think anyone who does something like the NC500 on their own must be either mad or have a will of bloody iron.’
‘I think stubborn probably covers it,’ Zara said with a cringe.
‘Well, I’m going to give you my mobile number. We’re going home tomorrow but I’m sure the rest of the lasses would love to hear from you. You know, to find out how you geton.’
‘And to know you’re safe,’ Jan added. Zara was overcome with emotion. This small group of women who were, to all intents and purposes, strangers had included her in their evening when she was feeling homesick. They had bolstered her, made her laugh and ultimately made her forget that she was hundreds of miles away from everything and everyone she loved.
The night ended in lots of singingand more dancing and Zara eventually climbed into bed with a smile on her face and a heart that felt lighter than it had in weeks.
