As she turned back around, she looked at the two paintings propped up at the side of the desk. She picked up the painting of The Little Blue Boathouse and looked at the inscription on the back. Nolan had added some more words, which made the tears fall again.
Hemingway & Fernsby. The only way to solve the case is together.
Bea felt at rock bottom and, wiping the tears away with the sleeve of her jumper, she sat back down in the armchair and looked out across the water. It was going to be the last sunny day for a couple of days, as according to the weather forecast the rain was on its way. There was a storm brewing and Bea knew that meant it would be a quiet time for the Boathouse because the river wasn’t an enjoyable place to be in torrential rain.
A couple of new boats had arrived and were anchored near the riverbank. Her eyes skimmed over the water but didn’t find the one boat she was looking for. Feeling panicky, Bea sat up straight and moved to the edge of her seat. Bringing her hands up to the seahorse necklace around her neck, she clutched it tightly.
‘No, please no.’
The Hemingway was gone. And there it was again, that horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach that she’d never wanted to feel again. He hadn’t even said goodbye like he’d promised. She slumped back in the chair and realised that last night was the last time she would see Nolan. She was devastated. He’d disappeared out of her life as quickly as he’d appeared and now there was nothing she could do about it.
Hearing her phone ping, she quickly looked at the screen. It was a text from Emmie.
If you wake up before 7 give me a ring, it would be lovely to hear your voice.
‘Hi, it’s me.’ The second she spoke, Bea was tearful.
‘There she is! How are you?’ Emmie was overly chirpy for this time in the morning.
Bea swallowed. It took Emmie a second to realise that Bea was upset.
‘Are you okay? Talk to me. I knew you were putting on a brave face.’
Bea was upset, but for reasons that Emmie could never have imagined.
‘Look, he wants you back, if that helps.’
It didn’t help. Carl had hardly crossed her mind. ‘I’m not upset about him in the slightest.’
There was a short silence at the end of the phone. ‘Then why are you upset?’
‘I think I’ve done something stupid.’
‘Then you’d better tell me all.’
Bea shared the story of her whirlwind romance and their day at Castaway Bay. She wasn’t entirely sure whether she felt better for getting it off her chest or not.
She was met by silence on the other end of the phone.
‘Say something,’ urged Bea.
‘I’m completely lost for words. This isn’t like you. He’s not the man for you. It’s a rebound thing and this won’t make you feel any better. You aren’t thinking straight. I think what’s best for you—’
Bea felt a little defensive and cut in. ‘Maybe it is like me.’ She didn’t want to hear what was best for her, she just wanted someone to listen with no judgement. ‘And there’s something else.’
‘Go on,’ said Emmie.
‘I’ve resigned from the supermarket and am staying on at The Little Blue Boathouse for a while longer.’
‘And how long is a while longer?’
‘I’m not sure – and please don’t go telling me what you think is best for me because coming back home right at this moment is not what is best for me.’
Emmie blew out a breath and, much to Bea’s relief, didn’t challenge her. ‘I don’t know what to say.’
‘That’s a first,’ joked Bea, trying to lighten the mood.
Thankfully, Emmie didn’t take offence but kept the mood light. ‘I know you find me infuriating at times but I am still your sister and I do want what’s best for you. Please don’t be lonely or upset all by yourself. You can ring me any time. Promise me that.’
