Page 68 of Lily, Unwritten
I sipped at my expensive whiskey as the snow fell in heavy drifts outside the window. I was going to be in Iceland for three months now. It was easier than travelling backwards and forwards in the winter weather, and I preferred being here, away from the memories and with work to keep me busy.
At times I hated my stubbornness. It would have been so easy in those first few weeks after Spain to try and fix things, to work through the problems. That nagging thought at the back of my head wouldn’t stop, though, and I knew I’d never fully quieten it; I’d always wonder about her and him. It didn’t stop me missing her, sadly.
Work had saved me. I’d thrown myself into this job, learning the language, travelling anywhere and everywhere they wanted me. Which is what found me back in this hotel, the hotel I promised I wouldn’t come back to, not that it mattered anymore.
I’d be living in an apartment that had been rented for the three months. I didn’t even care that I’d be here alone over Christmas. Yet that night, I’d felt like being around other miserable company, and places like this were full of people travelling alone for business, propping up the bar. I laughed to myself as I downed the whiskey; I’d been miserable about Lily last time I was here, too. Sometimes I wished I’d never met her, just sometimes.
I looked up, ready to order another drink, and saw the barman walk away, his replacement taking over with a smile… His replacement who I had vague memories of entering my hotel room, but I couldn’t for the life of me remember her name. A pity because I’d stand a chance of being able to pronounce it by now. I was just wondering if it would be easier to sneak to another bar when she locked eyes with me, and her face flashed with recognition.
“Zack?” she asked as she headed towards me, her eyes wide, taking me in.
I nodded, clearing my throat awkwardly. “Yes, I’m sorry, I remember you, obviously, but I don’t remember your name.”
She laughed. “You couldn’t say it, I wouldn’t expect you to. It’s Arnkatla. Just call me Kat.”
“I’m sorry about… I wasn’t in a good place, and it’s not fair that I took advantage of you.”
“You didn’t, it was me doing the chasing, if you recall.” She filled my glass up as she watched me, quizzically. “You still don’t look like you’re in a good place? Not the same girl, is it?”
I shook my head. “No, we split up months ago. I work for a company based in Reykjavík now, I’m here for three months.”
“Hmm,” she pursed her lips before she continued. “So, you’re here for three months, and you’re single? I hoped you’d come back, you know.”
Her confidence suddenly seemed sexy and appealing, no shyness or blushes here.
“You didn’t want it to be a one-night stand?” I asked.
“No, but I knew I wasn’t likely to see you again. I looked at your room details, but it was all booked under the company name.”
I raised an eyebrow at her, hoping this wasn’t going to turn into a weird stalker moment. She just laughed, a sweet, playful chuckle that lit her whole face up.
“Sorry,” she replied. “I had a great time that night. I was hoping I would see you again.”
“Are you just starting your shift?” I asked, wondering what I was going to do with the answer.
“Yes, I’m working until the bar closes, will be late. But it’s my day off tomorrow…” She let the end of the sentence tail off as she smiled at me mischievously.
Kat was stunning. I hadn’t taken it in that last time I saw her. Her eyes were ice-blue, set perfectly amongst her pale skin and pointed lips. Her long hair was white-blonde and wavy. As she smiled, I noticed a gap between her two front teeth, which was actually the cutest thing I’d ever seen.
“Well, I’m working until five, but it would be lovely if you wanted to do something after that?” I was surprised as I asked. I’d been one hundred per cent sure I wasn’t ready to see anyone after what had happened, but, this felt different. Maybe because I already knew her, sort of, maybe because I was so far from home. Whatever it was, I hoped she was going to say yes.
“One condition,” she said, tilting her head to the side. “No bars, I’m fed up with being in a bar.”
“Deal,” I smiled back at her. “I don’t know what there is to do around here, though. I’ve only seen the office and a couple of hotels.”
“Meet me in the lobby, here, tomorrow at six,” she said, that confidence on display again. “I’ll plan something fun.”
“I’ll look forward to it.” She walked away with a smile to serve customers whose patience grew thin as she’d spent so long with me. I finished my drink and gave her a wave goodbye. Suddenly, tomorrow seemed a lot brighter.
I spotted Kat straight away as I entered the lobby. Her laughter echoed around the lofty reception as she chatted with the staff on the concierge desk. The sound was warm, vibrant and lovely. A huge fire dominated the entrance to the hotel. Outside it was way below freezing and the wind stung any exposed skin.
Kat wore dark, fleecy jeggings and thick soled, black boots that laced halfway up her calves. The girls here dressed differently to Cheshire, no wobbling around these unforgiving icy streets in heels and a strappy dress. Her beautiful, pale blue jumper caught my eye as it matched her own eyes. Understated perfection.
She said goodbye to her friends and headed toward me with a smile, a padded coat, and large handbag slung over one arm. Raised up on her tiptoes, Kat kissed my cheek. She was more petite than I remembered, and I ducked down as I returned the gesture, kissing the warm skin of her cheek.
“Glad to see you dressed for the weather,” she grinned as she took in my warm clothes and coat. “So many tourists underestimate the cold.”
“Hey, I’m more than a tourist,” I replied. “I’m learning the language and everything.”