Ben grinned easily at everyone and was extremely charming. A bit like Luke.
‘Have you met your mum’s new neighbour?’ she asked, in a bid to make conversation.
‘Luke?’ He shook his head. ‘Not properly. Mum said he’s been busy writing his book and is away in London for a bit. She said she would introduce him properly when he’s back. He’s an actor or something?’
‘Erm, yes, though not someone obviously famous.’ Bella studied his face for any signs of worry or concern. But there were none. She had to assume Rosie hadn’t said anything yet and she would leave it for Ben to bring it up with her. The last thing she wanted to do was gossip and create any issues.
‘Mum has invited me home for dinner tonight,’ he said. ‘And you’re very welcome to come too. If you want to.’
Bella sighed. ‘I’m on the early shift tomorrow and the last bus isn’t very late. By the time I get there, I will probably have to leave again.’
‘It’s fine,’ he said casually. ‘You know, Mum, she is very laidback. She did say you may be working but to make sure I invited you.’
After a hearty breakfast of rolls with Lorne sausage and coffee, they walked the length of the beach and back before Bella suggested that she show him around the hotel. ‘I can show you my place if you want,’ she had suggested then worried that was too forward. Why would he want to see her little room?
‘Sure,’ he said.
The rest of the day had flown by and Bella had given Ben the full tour of the hotel, quickly showed him her room — grateful that there were no knickers lying on the floor — and then, not realising he was so close to her, she had spun round and collided with his chest and felt herself blush as she muttered an apology. He had smelt amazing, like fresh laundry mixed with a gentle scent of woody aftershave.
Both had paused and she wondered if he might kiss her. He was standing so very close to her. Then one of her housemates had arrived home, singing loudly, which had ruined the moment. She had managed to contain herself by quickly suggesting she take him to the spa to show him where she worked. Then she had given him a tour of the hotel grounds with its beautiful, manicured lawns and the benches which were tucked away in corners, surrounded by rose bushes.
Ben had stared in wonder at the setting. ‘What an incredible spot,’ he said, looking over at the patchwork of hills behind them. ‘You know, sometimes we forget that the things we aresearching for are right in front of us,’ he said, looking at her thoughtfully.
Bella paused, wondering if he had just said what she thought he had. Or whether he was referring to his recent travels. There she went again, reading into things. ‘Do you fancy a drink before you head back to your mum’s?’ she suggested quickly. ‘I know a wee bar not far from here, which I think you will love.’
He raised an eyebrow and wiggled it suggestively. ‘Sure, lead the way.’
When they were both settled with drinks and sitting on a bench at the beach bar, Ben sighed. ‘This is the life, eh? I remember when you showed me pictures of this place; I said it looked like the type of bar I went to in Bali.’
The sky was blue and streaked with pink and white clouds and the water was perfectly still.
Bella took a swig of her beer, wondering if he was thinking about Mabel. ‘Yes, I can imagine there are lots of fabulous spots over there. In fact, I saw some of your pictures on Instagram. With some of your friends . . .’
Ben nodded and raked a hand through his hair. ‘Yes, we had a lot of good times there. Though I haven’t posted any pictures recently?’ He looked bemused.
‘Oh, I noticed your friend Mabel had tagged you in them,’ said Bella casually.
Ben pulled out his phone and quickly looked at his account. ‘Ah, right, I’d forgotten about these. They were taken just after Easter. She must have forgotten to post them.’ He paused and looked at Bella. ‘These are fromwayback.’
Bella kept her response as casual as she could, even though the way Ben was looking at her made her in no doubt that him and Mabel werenottogether. She wanted to punch the air and shoutYa beauty. She cleared her throat. ‘Oh, I see. And is Mabel still around?’
Ben shook his head vehemently. ‘No, she moved on. Thank goodness. It was a bit awkward as she got very full on very quickly. The last I heard she was volunteering with orangutangs in the Borneo Rainforest.’
‘Oh,’ said Bella, slightly lost for words.
‘Do you want to know something,’ he said, taking a sip of his drink. ‘It was a fun relationship to begin with but when I started texting you, I realised I didn’t know much about Mabel in the way I did you.’
Bella realised she was holding her breath.
‘I found myself wanting to know about your day and not hers.’ He looked intently at her.
She sat back, trying her very best to look casual, although she was fizzing with excitement.
‘Hopefully we will have plenty of time to spend together, Bella. Especially now I’m here for the summer at least.’
Bella blushed. ‘Hopefully. Anyway,’ she added quickly, ‘your mum will love having you here for a bit. She is amazing, you know.’
‘I know. She has been through a lot. But somehow, she is still as graceful and dignified as ever, despite what my dad did.’ He paused. ‘That was the thing I wanted to ask your advice on.’
