‘Mum isalwayswatching it.’
‘It’s that programme I keep telling you to watch,’ said Isobel, chuckling at Rosie. ‘That one andVirgin River. That would keep you very entertained for a while, if you catch my drift.’
‘Oh Isobel, honestly. You know I’m not that bothered about TV.’
‘Clearly. Anyway, back to the main man, Luke. I suppose you could compare him to a fine wine,’ said Isobel thoughtfully, ‘in that he has definitely improved with age.’
Isobel had been single since last year since her last boyfriend turned out to be a numpty. It was a reminder that it was easier to be single. Over the years, she had always kept any boyfriends at arm’s length, claiming she liked her space too much.
Bella realised she was lucky that it had always been her and her mum who had lived together. She would have hated it if there had been a succession of different men living with them over the years which was something that some of her friends had had to put up with. But she did at times wonder if her mum was lonely, even though she had never given any indication that she was at all.
‘But maybe,’ said Isobel suggestively, ‘he is the island hunk you’ve been waiting for.’
Rosie laughed as she walked over to the coffee machine and made herself a drink. ‘Well, yes, he is still rather easy on the eye. Especially after all these years.’
Isobel rolled her eyes dramatically and fanned her face.
‘I, for one, think it is lucky we have always had different taste in men, Isobel, otherwise it could have been messy.’
‘What about Ash?’ said Bella thoughtfully.
‘Yes, fortunately Ash has always had different tastes too otherwise it could have all got very complicated. Can you imagine? Apparently, the latest man is quite the catch. We’ve been told he looks very like one of the Hemsworth brothers.’
‘Oh,’ said Bella, perking up at a name she recognised. ‘Which one?’
‘No idea,’ said Rosie, waving her hand. ‘Although I’ve no idea whether we get to meet him or not. You know Ash. As vague as ever about everything, including whether the new bloke is joining us. From a selfish point of view, it would be nice if we could just have Ash to ourselves. We all havelotsof catching up to do. Now, no pressure you two, but if there’s anything you fancy doing today, let me know. I am going into the garden for a while.’
‘That will help you get rid of all that pent up frustration,’ said Isobel, winking at her.
‘Bella, dear, would you like a coffee?’ Rosie completely ignored the comment.
‘No thanks. I’ll put the kettle on and make tea, if that’s okay?’
‘Of course,’ said Rosie. ‘Just make yourself at home and I’ll be in the garden. There’s plenty of clean towels in the wicker basket in the bathroom so help yourself if you want to have a shower.’ Then she disappeared outside, Coisty trotting behind.
‘Why don’t you have a shower first, love, and then we can make a plan?’
Bella nodded. She would wash and get dressed then think about checking ferry availability for the next few days. A schedule always made her feel better. It gave her something to focus on and helped her feel more in control. As she startedto walk up the stairs, she could hear her mobile ring in the bedroom. Running to get to it, she snatched it up and saw that it was the beauty salon calling.
‘Hello,’ she said, breathlessly worrying that she’d got her rota wrong and hoping that they weren’t expecting her there today.
‘Hey Bella,’ said her boss, Georgie. Her voice was subdued and Bella frowned.
‘Sorry to call you like this hon, but . . . look there’s no easy way of saying this, Bella. We are having to close.’
‘Close? What do you mean?’ she said in confusion. The salon was usually shut on Sundays and Mondays and she wondered if Georgie meant it was closing early today or something. Even though it was still early in the day. Maybe there had been a leak or the heating had broken down and she had forgotten that Bella was on holiday.
‘We are shutting the shop for good. It’ll not come as a surprise, love, but things have been brutal this past year. We just can’t keep going on like this. And the council are going to start charging for street parking. It’s the final straw.’ Georgie’s voice wobbled and she sounded as though she was close to tears. ‘We are having to let everyone go.’
Bella felt as though she had been punched in the stomach. ‘Oh Georgie, I am so sorry. I can come in and help you finish up with clients though.’
She sniffed. ‘Aw, thanks Bella. You are a wee gem. But when I say we’re closing, I mean, we are actually closed.’
‘What, now?’ Bella shut her eyes in disbelief.
‘Aye,’ said Georgie, sighing. ‘I’m having to let everyone go. With immediate effect. I’ll make sure you’re paid what you’re owed and I’ll give you a brilliant reference. I’m so sorry, Bella.’
‘Okay, I’m sorry too.’ Bella managed to mumble before ending the call.
