Chapter 18 

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~~~

She lowers her motorcycle helmet holding it by the edge, "Would you like to visit the big bridge over the Tara?" She tries to smile, but I see that she actually wants to leave.

"Yes, of course, we saw it in the guide booklet," I say, trying to sound as friendly as possible.

"Sooo, uhm, my aunt lives in a house that is overlooking the canyon and the bridge. The place is very beautiful..."

"Does she have her own hotel?"

"Not really. Sometimes she accepts tourists, but after her husband's death, she rolled up into a shell, and she has not invited anyone for a long time. But I will call her and tell her that you will come. Of course, if you agree. It is foolish, uhm, of course, to offer this variant to you, since websites have official registered hotels and hostels... But my aunt cooks great, very delicious: you'll just lick your fingers, besides she has very beautiful clean rooms. Auntie used to work as a designer before the birth of her children, but they all went to different countries and just left her alone, sorry, this is unnecessary information, all in all, she's not nosy, for the most part, and she will not bother you with awkward questions. I am sure you and your... friend will like her and her place so much, and it would not hurt her to leave her shell and start receiving tourists.

"This is a great idea!"

I just need to persuade Alana.

"But don't think I'm trying to scam you or impose something on you. You just asked about the place to stay... If you don't like there, you can always leave right away... it's not a problem, I swear." She looks away embarrassedly.

"I'm sure we'll love it!" I exclaim pretty childishly.

"I will give you her address and will warn her that you might come within a day."

"Yes, first we want to eat and have a walk in Old Town, and only then we want to head to the bridge."

She holds out her hand, and I look at her with embarrassment. Should I shake it?

"I'll write down the address..." the girl says quietly.

"Oh! Sure, sure!" I fetch the phone out of my pocket and give it to her.

Andrijana almost drops the phone, and I start when Alana lays on the horn with great displeasure.

"I think I really pissed her off," Andrijana says apologetically, handing over my phone. I feel very ashamed of Alana. "I wrote down the aunt's address and her telephone number. Her name and surname are also there... She speaks English, but not very well. But don't worry. I'll explain everything to her!"

"Maybe you give us your number too on the safe side if we can't come." I glance at the stunned Alana, who's languishing in the car.

"Mine? Yes... sure," the girl says in surprise. She doesn't seem to think about it, or she pretends to be so naive. "Have a nice trip. Goodbye, Alana, Esti!"

Alana doesn't answer, only turns on the radio louder. I smile and wish the motorcyclist a safe trip wherever she's going.

I'm sad to part with Andrijana like this. It doesn't seem like she wanted to flirt with me. The girl was very friendly with both of us, even despite Alana's outright rudeness. It feels like she wanted to tell us something. Okay, that's none of my business... I turn my head looking at the leaving motorcycle with a heavy heart.