Page 26 of A Festive Surprise

Chapter Nine

Farid

Perhaps it was a reaction to living through troubled times, but Farid didn’t want to waste a second. Now he’d asked Holly on a date, he wanted it to happen and fast – but properly. Fast didn’t have to mean rushed. She’d left late the night before after the alcohol-fuelled game of Monopoly got competitive. She won. Meh. Maybe she’d hoped to stay the night, but he’d let her go.

He pulled on a hoody and sighed. Should he have bitten the bullet and gone for it? Back in Daraa, he wouldn’t have had the chance. His family was conservative and had a bride picked out for him – before his capture. He rubbed at his chest and stared out the window. Would his father ever truly forgive what he’d done? He’d brought shame on their family. Their relationship had been rocky at the best of times. Farid wasn’t devout enough and that bothered Khalif Al-Karim. But after Farid’s escape, his father was the one who suggested Archie as someone to turn to. The olive branch had been dangled before him. Farid had grabbed it with all his might. If only he could see his father now. Let him know. Apologise. Maybe time would never be enough to atone and live up to his standards. Now the family had left Syria, Khalif understood Farid’s plight and his reasons for speaking out against the government but a full reconciliation? Doubtful. Khalif may come round but in his own time. Would that day come? Ever?

And what Farid wanted to do with Holly… The way he wanted to hold her, kiss her, go even further. It went against his family’s beliefs. He raked his fingers through his hair. Mustn’t get ahead of himself. He had a date to organise. An afternoon tea in Tobermory perhaps? That was something the Brits talked about. And waiting until evening was too long. He peered out the window and pulled a face at the sky. Low grey clouds obscured the view of the sea.

Holly wouldn’t be working today. A sharp tug like a hook behind his belly button pulled him to look her way. A solid stone wall separated them. But she was there, just there. Could he go round? Did she want that? Was he being too keen? Maybe she’d arranged to meet Georgia or do something that didn’t involve him. Pah. He couldn’t expect to spend every moment with her. His heart plunged and roiled. What to do to pass the time until the date?

A jog around the paths on the estate might get rid of some energy. He could learn the lie of the land. After pulling on some running gear and trainers (cast-offs Georgia had passed his way), he jogged towards the main mansion; a huge stone palace Archie and Georgia let out to rich tourists who wanted to live in a Scottish Castle for a week.

Farid skirted the side of it and headed along a rising path that clung to the edge of a blustery cliffside. He’d often spotted Archie walking this way with his dogs but from below it wasn’t clear where the path went. The views were probably spectacular on sunnier days. Farid rounded a bend. Ahead on the path, hand in hand, were Georgia and Archie, laughing and swinging their arms, lost in their own world. The dogs sniffed around.

What now? Interrupt their private walk? Go back the other way? Farid stopped and sighed. How lucky to be like them. He put up a silent wish. Please send me someone to hold.

Georgia turned his way; she blinked, and her smile widened.

‘Hi.’ With her free hand, she waved. ‘You’re very energetic this morning.’

He jogged closer. ‘Ay. So are you.’

‘But I don’t fancy running it.’ She glanced at Archie. ‘You?’

‘No thanks. Definitely not up the way.’

‘It’s not bad,’ said Farid. ‘Easier when it’s cold. I used to run in the baking heat. That was hard.’

‘Sounds it,’ said Georgia.

He pressed his lips together for a second. They knew everything about the island. They’d know a good place for a date. But should he tell them his plans? They’d understand, wouldn’t they? He raised his fist to his mouth and cleared his throat. ‘Where is a good place to eat in Tobermory?’

‘For lunch?’ said Georgia.

‘Afternoon tea. I’m taking Holly on a date.’

‘Oh, wow.’ She beamed from ear to ear.

‘There you go.’ Archie nudged her. ‘Not everyone on the island needs you to set them up.’

‘Shhh.’ She poked him with a smirk. ‘There are a few places you could try. The Western Isles Hotel is lovely for a view, or the Blue Whale Café is small and intimate.’

‘They sound nice.’

‘What time are you going?’

‘Whenever I can get a table.’

‘Well, there’s carol singing tonight at six if you want to join in with that after.’

‘What’s that?’

‘It’s when Archie knocks on people’s doors and gives them a rendition of “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” so he can show off his singing voice.’

‘No, it isn’t.’ Archie gave her half an eye roll. ‘It’s traditional in Britain. We’ve arranged for people to gather at the clock and walk along the promenade singing carols. In the past, it was a way for children to make money. They’d knock on doors, sing a song and hope to get a penny for it.’

‘Or a shilling to be quiet,’ said Georgia.

---