Elemental Love (3 page)

“I like being close to water. It’s soothing somehow.”

“Hmm.” Gregory waved Samuel over. He took their food orders and supplied more drinks before moving smoothly away.

“Why do I get the feeling that there are certain subjects you try to avoid discussing with me?” Evrain made eye contact with his godfather and held his gaze.

“You need to learn patience, Evrain. Some things are better for the waiting. Like fine wine, some subjects must be allowed to mature before they can be fully appreciated.”

Evrain sighed. “You talk in riddles.”

“Have you ever thought that I might just like to cultivate an air of mystery?”

“Well, it’s working. I feel like I’m on the edge of a precipice. Everything in my life is changing. New job. New country. I’m being tugged in so many directions…”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s hard to describe. It’s like there’s a dam in my head and tiny cracks are starting to appear. I know there’s going to be a flood. What I don’t know is whether I’ll be able to surf the wave or I’ll drown in the torrent.”

Gregory frowned. “You’re twenty-one in three days’ time, aren’t you?”

“Yes. What’s that got to do with anything?”

“Everything, dear boy. Everything. I promise things will become clearer, but for now just try to relax. Enjoy the flight and anticipate all the adventures that await you in your new life.” Gregory closed his eyes. His mouth was set in a stubborn line.

Evrain realized he was going to get nothing further from his godfather. A vague sensation of nausea knotted his stomach, something that had been happening more and more frequently in recent months. Even as he dismissed the feeling, Evrain knew, deep down, that something was amiss. He realized that he had clenched his fingers into a tight fist and forced them to relax. He peered out of the window and watched the scudding clouds tinged with orange and red.

“Even the sky is on fire. Grandma would say it’s an omen.”

Gregory patted his hand. “The omens are all good, Evrain. You’ll see.”

* * * *

With no direct flights operating from the UK to Portland, the journey had been long and tiring even in the luxury of first class. The route had taken them from Edinburgh to Seattle and, after a short layover, from there to Portland. Almost twenty hours in total. Evrain was relieved to escape the confines of the plane and reach the bustle of the arrivals hall. He pushed a trolley loaded with his own large cases and Gregory’s compact weekend bag. Needless to say the damn thing had a wonky wheel and a mind of its own. He managed to steer it across the concourse without causing actual bodily harm to other travelers but gained a bruised shin for his trouble.

Gregory, looking as fresh as if he’d just spent twenty hours at an upscale spa, strolled confidently ahead. “There’s Coryn.” He waved toward the crowd of people collected behind a barrier.

Evrain glanced up and spotted his second godfather. Evrain’s smile was instant. Coryn had that effect on people. Tall and lean with short silver hair, he had lightly tanned skin and laughter lines that crinkled the corners of his eyes. He wore beige chinos and a chunky cream cable-knit sweater. Several women clustered around him and he seemed vaguely amused by the attention.

Gregory increased his pace. He held out his arms, and Coryn stepped into them as if they were the only place in the world he belonged. They kissed, long and slow. Evrain’s temperature rose.

Fuck, those two are hot. Ugh! Why am I even thinking that?

Evidently, he wasn’t the only one. A couple of wolf whistles sounded and there was the obligatory comment of, “Get a room.”

When they finally separated, Coryn’s eyes were glazed and dreamy, and Gregory had smug satisfaction all over his face. Evrain raised an eyebrow.

“Hi, Coryn, nice to see you.”

“Evrain! How wonderful. I hope this cantankerous old miscreant hasn’t caused you too much trouble on the flight over.”

“Oh, I’d say he was his usual self.” Evrain gave Coryn a hug. As always, Coryn’s arms became a haven of safety and security. In all the times Evrain had stayed with Coryn and Gregory during his childhood, it was always Coryn who’d dealt with scraped knees, extracted splinters and removed the layers of mud that Evrain had attracted on his adventures. Coryn exuded calmness.

“Oh dear. Well, you’re here now. Did you manage to get any sleep or are you exhausted? We can go straight to your place or stop for something to eat on the way.”

“We got a fair amount of sleep but I’ve lost all track of time. What meal should we be eating?”

Coryn checked his watch. “Well, to you, it probably feels like early afternoon, but it’s breakfast time. How about a big American breakfast?”

“Can I have pancakes and bacon? The bacon here is so much better than at home. I love those crispy strips.” Evrain’s mouth watered.

“You can have all the bacon you want. I know the perfect place.” Coryn took control of the luggage trolley and guided them toward the exit.

* * * *

Two hours later, with a belly stuffed happily full, Evrain finally got to see his new home. He heaved his cases into the hall, grateful that the building had a working lift. The unit was compact but perfect for one. There was a large combination kitchen-cum-living area, and a spacious bedroom with a modern en suite. In a nook in the lounge area a full-sized tilting design table was set up under a bright light. Evrain stroked its smooth surface.

“Wow, this is top of the range.”

“An early birthday present from the two of us, along with all the linens. The rest of the furniture comes with the apartment,” Coryn said.

Evrain hugged Gregory and Coryn in turn. “Thank you. That’s so generous and a wonderful gift.” He spotted a coffee maker in the kitchen. “Please tell me there’s coffee?”

“The fridge is fully stocked. I did a grocery shop for you yesterday,” Coryn said. “I didn’t think you’d want your first stop to be the local market, though it is a good one. Plenty of organic local produce. I got all your favorites. Well, I assume they’re still your favorites, you haven’t turned veggie since I last saw you, have you?”

“Still carnivorous, if white meat and fish qualifies,” Evrain confirmed. “Have I ever told you how much I love you, Coryn?” He pounced on the coffee machine.

“You love that machine more,” Gregory said with a grin. “We’re going to give you some space. You should unpack, get some rest, explore. Your car keys are in the kitchen drawer. The car is in the parking garage underneath the building. The exit barrier has number plate recognition for residents, but there’s a code if you ever have visitors over. It’s a company vehicle so if it doesn’t suit you, let me know. And, for goodness’ sake, remember we drive on the correct side of the road over here.”

“Funny, Gregory. I have driven here before. Don’t you two want to stay? You’ve had a long journey too.”

“No, thanks for the offer, though. I have a hotel booked for a few days. Very chic, with a fabulous restaurant and a spa. There’s even one of those Jacuzzi baths in the suite.” Coryn spoke to Evrain but winked at Gregory. Gregory grinned right back.

“We’ll join you at Agatha’s for your birthday and hang around to make sure you’re settled before we head back to Florida.” Gregory grabbed Coryn’s hand. “We have some catching up to do. In the bedroom.”

“Oh my God. Too much information! Go, before I’m psychologically scarred for life.”

“We’re out of here.” Gregory towed Coryn toward the door. With a final wave, they were gone.

Enveloped in silence, Evrain took a deep breath. He strolled across to the balcony doors, pushed them open then stepped out into the fresh autumn air. Storm clouds gathered on the horizon, promising rain. Evrain rolled his shoulders in an attempt to ease the tension building at the base of his skull. His head throbbed. A sudden gust of wind ruffled his hair. The sky darkened and the air pressure felt like a physical weight on Evrain’s shoulders. He couldn’t wait for the coming storm to break. He took deep breaths, his head pounded. Fat drops of liquid spattered the balcony, making a pattern on the dry surface. Evrain let out his breath in a whoosh. As he exhaled a monsoon began, soaking him instantly. Evrain turned his face toward the sky, spread his arms wide and laughed. The invisible pressure around him shattered and his spirits lifted. “Welcome to America, Evrain. The past is well and truly washed away.”

Chapter Two

The day of Evrain’s twenty-first birthday dawned with the perfect crispy-crunch of autumn. He stood on his balcony sipping coffee, enjoying the nip in the air. The river was virtually motionless, glistening, the surface like glass. A layer of wispy mist hovered above its surface, parting here and there to allow the early morning light to catch the water in golden gleams. Evrain fancied that the atmosphere was always different on this particular day and it wasn’t just because it was his birthday. On All Hallows’ Eve, everything seemed full of potential. The light had a quality particular to the time of year, setting off the blaze of color in the trees perfectly. Across the river, fallen leaves carpeted the ground in ocher and amber.

Steam rose from Evrain’s drink, mirroring the river. He blew gently on the surface, dissipating the heat haze. Above the river, a light breeze parted the mist. Evrain sipped his coffee and watched, intrigued, as the tendrils of fog merged once more.

Inside his apartment, the phone rang. Reluctantly, Evrain retreated inside, placed his coffee on a side table then grabbed the handset.

“Hello?”

“Sweetheart. Happy birthday! I wasn’t sure you’d be up yet.”

Evrain’s heart warmed at the sound of his mother’s voice. “Hi, Mum. How you doing?”

“Tsk. You already sound like an American. I’m perfectly well, thank you. Your father is here with me, we have you on the speaker phone thingy.” Evrain’s mother had never been bothered with learning about technology of any kind.

Evrain smiled. “Hey, Dad.”

“Morning, son. It is morning there, isn’t it? Happy birthday!”

“Stop hogging the conversation, James. My baby is twenty-one, I need to talk to him.” Evrain could picture his mother elbowing his dad away from the phone.

“How come he’s your baby when we’re celebrating and my son when he’s being rebellious?”

“Because that’s the way it has worked since the beginning of time.”

Evrain grinned as his parents bickered, seemingly forgetting he was on the other end of the line. He cleared his throat.

“Still here, folks.”

“Oh, sorry, sweetie.” His mum found her thread again. “What are you up to today? Doing anything special?”

“I’m driving out to Grandma’s for lunch. Gregory and Coryn will be there too. It’s a beautiful day so I’ll probably take a walk while I’m out that way. There are some spectacular waterfalls not far away from the cabin.”

“Sounds perfect. Give our love to everyone and you listen carefully to what your grandma has to say, okay? It’s a special day.”

“You’re being as cryptic as she is, but I’ll be on my best behavior, I promise.”

“Good boy. Your sisters send their love. There should be cards in the mail if we’ve managed to time it right. Overseas post is so unpredictable.”

“I’ll look out for them, thanks.”

“We weren’t sure about a gift, son.” Evrain’s dad managed to get a word in. “I’ve transferred some money into your account so you can buy something you want. Make sure you use it for something special, memorable, you know?”

“I will and thanks. The gift is perfect. I’d not have been impressed if you sent me one of those awful souvenir champagne flutes.”

“That’s in the mail as well, son.”

“Right.” Evrain laughed. “I’ll treasure it.”

“Oh, you two!” Evrain’s mum scolded them. “Enjoy your birthday, Evrain. We’ll talk to you again soon.” She made kissy noises down the phone.

“Bye, son.” His dad stuck to simple words and no sound effects.

“Bye, thanks for calling. Give my love to everybody.” Evrain replaced the receiver in its cradle. A wave of homesickness rolled over him but it was soon gone. Scotland was part of his soul and he missed his family but he was determined to make Oregon his home and make a success of his new job. He headed for the bathroom to get ready for his day out.

Evrain dressed in boots, jeans and a thick, black rollneck that was soft against his skin. He couldn’t bear itchy fabrics and rarely bought anything that wasn’t constructed from natural fibers. Polyester gave him hives. The Indian summer was warm enough that he didn’t need a jacket. He locked up his apartment and took the lift to the basement garage. When he reached his assigned parking space, he looked around in confusion. The small blue hybrid that normally occupied his space was gone and in its place sat a gleaming red convertible. There was a note under one of the wipers. He plucked the piece of paper from beneath the blade and unfolded it.

He read the words written on it aloud. “Happy birthday, Evrain, this is yours for the day. Don’t dent it! G and C.” He chuckled and stroked the bonnet of the sleek machine. “Wow, it’s good to be me.” He searched around for keys and eventually found them under a rear wheel arch. The roof was already down, so he settled into a bucket seat that gripped his hips, holding him in place. He adjusted it to gain a bit more legroom and grasped the leather steering wheel. The ignition fired smoothly, its low purr sending gentle vibrations through his body. He put the car into gear and pulled out of his space with care. He waited until the security gate had fully risen before driving up the ramp and out into the street.

It was a perfect day for driving with the top down. Evrain knew the route from his apartment building to Hood River well. Once he was out of the city, it was simple enough to follow the I-84 east. The road followed the path of the river and it was a lovely, scenic route. Evrain concentrated on enjoying the car rather than his surroundings. He stuck to the speed limit, knowing that his flashy car would be a magnet for traffic cops. Even at a relatively sedate pace, the drive was a pleasure and Evrain was almost disappointed to reach the end of the narrow lane leading to his grandmother’s cabin. He parked the car behind Coryn’s rental and flipped the switch that brought the roof over. He made sure that there were no trees overhead to drop berries or so that roosting birds could use his sweet ride as target practice. He didn’t want to come back to red with white polka dots rather than plain red paintwork.