‘That would be good, thank you.’
‘And I do know there will be a few secret meetings coming up regarding Martha’s surprise birthday party, so as an honorary villager for the summer, let’s get you involved too.’
‘I can help organise anything you need,’ offered Bea.
‘Have a chat with Isla and offer your services. Over the next few weeks, you’ll have the opportunity to live like a villager and my guess is you’re going to love it. This community is exactly that, a community that looks out for one another, supports each other and lifts each other up when it’s needed, and it sounds to me that’s a little different from what you’re used to.’
It was indeed very different from what Bea was used to. She mulled over everything that Julia had said. ‘Yes, that sounds like a plan. I’ll have a chat with Isla.’
‘A change does us good but I’ll share with you now that that room up there can’t be rented out on its own. It comes with the job because there’s no separate entrance – the only way to access it is through the Boathouse. We also don’t charge for the room because anyone who is up there is doing us a favour; we have someone on the premises and that type of security gives us piece of mind. We would only charge for the bills but as you’ve gotten us out of a hole for the next few weeks, we’ll take care of those for now. Maybe,’ Julia pointed towards the attic room, ‘it’s something to think about as a long-term option?’ She touched Bea’s arm and gave her a knowing look.
‘Are you saying you wouldn’t mind if I stayed longer?’ Perched on the stool behind the counter, Bea sipped her tea.
‘I’m saying I’ve got a good vibe about you and my gut feelings have never let me down in the past. If needs be, use this place as a stop-gap. I know you’re capable of a lot more than working here, but it may help you get back on your feet and give you some breathing space.’
Bea listened carefully to every word that Julia was saying.
‘Heartcross is a thriving tourist destination – and Flynn also owns Starcross Manor and The Lakehouse. If you work hard – and I’ve seen it happen before – he could possibly give you the chance to transfer to a more challenging role in one of those establishments. I know for a fact he’s trying to bring in in-house wedding planners and dress designers to Starcross Manor as the wedding side of the hotel is beginning to grow. There’s always something going on. Anyway, it’s food for thought, and I’m always here if you want a chat.’
‘Thank you. This certainly is food for thought. Is everyone this kind in Heartcross?’
‘You’d better believe it.’ Julia gave her a warm smile and pointed to the queue that was forming in front of her.
Bea placed her mug down and greeted the next customer, her mind turning over the information that Julia had just shared. Once all the customers were served, she stood outside The Little Blue Boathouse and stared out over the water. Bea knew there was only one thing possibly stopping her from moving here: Emmie.
In theory, it was great to be by family, but Julia had been right. How much quality time did she actually spend with her sister? If Bea stayed, maybe Emmie would make the effort and bring the children to visit.
Could she really move away from everything she knew and the town where she grew up? This seemed like the ideal opportunity to give it a go. What was the worst that could happen if it didn’t work out in Heartcross? It was simple: she would rethink her plans and move back home if necessary.
Coming to a decision, she logged on to the computer and accessed her email account. Sitting in her inbox was her shift rota for when she returned to work. She sighed, the sight of it confirming she had no enthusiasm whatsoever for returning to the same routine. She decided the only mature way to make a decision was to flip a coin, and took one from the till. ‘Tails, I resign. Heads, I stay at the supermarket.’
Squeezing her eyes shut, she threw up the coin and heard it bounce back on the counter. Slowly taking a peep, she saw tails staring back at her.
Before she could question her decision, Bea began to type her resignation, along with a lovely message to her boss explaining that her personal life had taken a nosedive. She was laying it on thick, hoping her boss would be sympathetic towards her situation and relieve her of working out her notice, because the last thing she wanted to do was live in a house with Carl and work any more shifts in the supermarket.
After she’d read over the letter, Bea’s finger hovered oversend. Before she could change her mind, she pressed the key. Hearing the whoosh of the email disappearing, she knew there was no going back. All she needed to do now was pluck up the courage to tell Emmie she wasn’t returning home as soon as everyone thought.
Hearing the door open behind her, Bea turned and beamed at Julia. ‘I’ve only gone and done it! I’ve resigned. It’s not like me to be so impulsive…’
‘Wow! How do you feel?’
‘Mixed emotions. Relieved and confused. Glad to be leaving that place behind. A fresh start is what I need … but am I running away? Everyone will think I’ve lost the plot but I’m excited about what will happen from here.’
‘Sometimes we worry way too much about what others think. We have to look after ourselves and put our own well-being first. I know for a fact that so long as you stay in Heartcross everyone will welcome you with open arms. My gut feeling is telling me you’ve made the right decision.’
‘And mine is too. Thank you for giving me the chance to take some time and get myself sorted.’
‘You’re very welcome. Now, I think there’s only one thing for it. We have to pinch one of Wilbur’s biscuits to celebrate. I’ll fetch the tin!’
Even though Bea was feeling apprehensive about how her sister would react, deep down she knew she’d made the right decision. This was the push she needed to make changes in her life.
‘Are there any chocolate ones?’ she shouted after Julia.
With the decision made and the resignation sent, this day was already a success. And in a few hours’ time, things could only get better, because Hemingway and Fernsby were investigating their first case and she would be spending the evening with Nolan. Looking out of the doorway, she noticed a woman admiring the painting of the girl with the wedding ring. Instantly, that twinge of anxiousness was back in the pit of her stomach. The woman popped her head through the door.
‘Isn’t she beautiful!’ she said, holding the painting up towards Bea.
‘Very,’ replied Bea, watching the woman place the painting back in the box. As soon as the woman walked away, Bea went and picked it up. If the right moment came up tonight, she was going to ask Nolan who she was.
