‘Because you don’t sound like yourself … you sound quite happy.’

  ‘Erm, so what you’re trying to say is that I usually sound like a miserable sod?’ teased Bea, knowing that nothing her sister said could bring her down. She was feeling on top of the world.

  ‘No, of course not,’ Emmie said, back-pedalling. ‘But I expected you to sound a little more broken-hearted, depressed even. I’m just a little…’

  ‘Shocked?’ Bea finished her sentence. ‘Look, I’m not dwelling on the past. Carl did me a favour. The relationship was boring, mundane and going absolutely nowhere fast.’

  For a moment, Emmie was quiet on the other end of the line. ‘Are you trying to make out everything is okay but as soon as you put the phone down you’re going to burst into tears and stay in bed all day? Because you do know I’m here for you and you can ring me any time, right? I don’t like the thought of you being lonely and upset.’

  ‘I’m neither lonely nor upset,’ confirmed Bea. ‘I had the best day yesterday, which included swimming in a secluded bay with a handsome stranger.’ Bea kept the rest of the details to herself, knowing that if she shared the fact she’d got very close to the stranger her sister might turn up in Heartcross and attempt to rescue her from ‘going off the rails’.

  ‘Have you been taking drugs?’ Emmie’s voice was deadly serious.

  ‘I’ve not even had a coffee yet!’ replied Bea, with a chuckle. ‘Honestly, it’s true, I’m okay. In fact, I’m more than okay! I’m the best I’ve ever been and today I have a trial shift at The Little Blue Boathouse.’

  ‘What the heck do you mean, you have a trial shift? A job?’

  ‘Yes, for a job.’

  ‘But you have a job back home where you belong. What is going on here, Bea? This isn’t like you. I’m beginning to worry even more about you.’

  ‘Maybe I’m fed up of the old Bea. Good old dependable Bea who is boring and reliable. It’s time for a change, a new direction. I may not be sure what that direction is, but what I do know is that I don’t want the life I’ve had in the past.’

  ‘You’re coming home, aren’t you?’

  Bea turned over the word ‘home’ in her mind and thought about Martha’s prediction. Avoiding the question, she said, ‘Emmie, there’s no need to worry. I’m okay, really I am. The job is just for two weeks whilst I’m here. I figured, why not work by the water, enjoy the sunshine, chat to the tourists? You never know what opportunities might spring up.’

  ‘As long as you are coming home?’ Emmie emphasised the words as though they would be enough to ensure Bea’s return.

  ‘You will see me very soon. I promise,’ was all that Bea could offer and she ended the call, happy to have avoided answering her sister’s question.

  An hour later, after breakfast, Bea ambled along the lane towards the river path. The sun was shining and there were only a few clouds in the sky. It was going to be another hot day, which probably meant The Little Blue Boathouse would be busy. The village was already alive with dog walkers, hikers heading towards the mountain pass, and children running with fishing nets towards the rocks by the river. Bea felt excited and a little nervous. Initially, the reason she had offered her services for the next two weeks had been to keep herself occupied and stop her thinking about her ex, but since meeting Nolan, Carl had barely crossed her mind and she was actually relieved that her life was changing and going in a completely different direction.

  As she turned the last corner before The Little Blue Boathouse, she saw that even more boats had arrived since yesterday and there were now some impressive yachts on the water. Posters had been erected along the path, advertising the annual River Festival and firework display, and Bea wished she was staying a little longer. Quickly, she scanned the area, looking for The Hemingway. There it was. Just knowing that Nolan was still about put a spring in her step. She hoped that he would come and say hello sometime during the day.

  The Little Blue Boathouse was already heaving. Numerous people were standing outside wearing wetsuits or holding paddles whilst others were pulling kayaks into the water. There was also a queue of people along the jetty waiting for the river taxi to take them on excursions. Bea watched as the river taxi pressed its horn. ‘All aboard for Heartcross Castle,’ a voice boomed over the Tannoy, and people began to file onto the boat. Noticing another group of people, huddled around a table near the entrance, Bea realised they were admiring Nolan’s paintings. It was like a mini art gallery: a couple of the paintings were displayed on easels whilst others stood on table stands, making them easy to browse through. Further paintings were stacked in a box, ready to be added to the table as space became available.

  Stepping inside The Little Blue Boathouse, Bea was greeted by a beaming Julia. ‘Good morning! Sorry I missed you at breakfast, I had to nip to the drycleaners. Oh! Before I forget, you’ve already got post. I’ll serve these customers and I’ll be right with you.’

  Bea looked down at the handwritten letter that Julia had just handed to her and grinned. She hoped this was from her favourite sailor. While Julia took the money for a couple of excursions from a customer, Bea tore open the envelope to find a hand-painted card with a picture of The Little Blue Boathouse. It was beautiful; the colours were vibrant and the river looked lifelike. Inside the card was written:

  To Fernsby,

  Good luck today!

  I’ll bring lunch!

  Yours, Hemingway x

  Bea loved the way Nolan had written their surnames. She knew it felt daft to think they were some sort of partnership but it just felt so natural to be in his company and he’d begun to creep into her thoughts more and more. With a smile on her face, she put the card back in the envelope before slipping it into her bag, then waited for Julia to point the tourists in the right direction for the river excursion.

  As soon as they’d stepped outside, Julia blew out a breath. ‘With the weather like this it’s going to be a busy day. I’ve not stopped since I arrived.’

  ‘I can’t wait to get stuck in,’ replied Bea. ‘Where shall I put these?’ She held up her bag and cardigan.

  ‘I’ll show you to the staff room. Actually, the words “staff room” are a little too grand. Basically, it’s a cubby-hole with a chair, table and kettle. Come on.’

  Bea followed Julia through the door with the ‘staff only’ sign hanging on it, which was situated behind the pay desk. Julia wasn’t exaggerating; it was a very small room, with cream wooden panelling, an old table and a couple of chairs. There was also a small sink along with a fridge and a microwave.

  ‘Mugs and glasses are in there. Washing up liquid and cloths over there. Milk is in the fridge, and Wilbur keeps custard creams in that biscuit tin. I know it’s not all mod cons but its workable for what we need.’

  ‘Absolutely,’ replied Bea, looking through the small, round window by the sink. ‘Look at that view.’

  ‘It is breathtaking, isn’t it? I’ve noticed there’s a few more boats arrived this morning. With the River Festival getting closer we’ll be busier than usual and, I have to say, I’m feeling a little guilty throwing you in at the deep end.’

  ‘If you’re throwing me in, I hope you have a spare life jacket,’ joked Bea, looking at The Hemingway through the window. There was no sign of Nolan on board but then she noticed a familiar rowing boat heading up the river. She watched him for a second before turning back to Julia. ‘I’m looking forward to every moment of it, don’t worry.’

  ‘A life saver is what you are. You can hang your belongings on that hook.’ Julia gestured to the long line of hooks on the wall. ‘And here’s a key to this room. There’s a lot of people milling around and you can never be too careful. Keep it locked at all times.’

  ‘Thanks,’ replied Bea, slipping it into her pocket.

  ‘And I have to say, that’s a very beautiful necklace you’re wearing, very unique,’ admired Julia, taking a closer look. ‘I noticed it the second you walked in. It looks old too.’

  ‘A present,’ replied Bea, beaming. ‘And I’m guessing it’s several decades old.’

  ‘I love seahorses. They’re a symbol of good luck and fortune and also meant to represent strength and power.’

  Bea ran the necklace through her fingers. ‘I didn’t know that.’ She immediately thought of Morgan and Patsy. Maybe this represented the strength and power of their love for one another that summer.

  Locking the staff room door behind them, Bea followed Julia to the counter. ‘Even though this place is going to be busy,’ Julia told her, ‘it’s quite straightforward and you’ll have the hang of it in no time. As you can see, wetsuits to hire are along that wall on the rails, and the ones to buy are on the opposite wall alongside the swimming costumes, goggles, fishing nets, et cetera. All the sale items have the new prices attached to the labels. I know the till looks like it’s been through the war, it’s that prehistoric, but it’s so easy to use.’

  Julia took an item off the rail and showed Bea how to ring it through the till. Bea was used to more complicated technology, working on the late night checkout at the supermarket, and found this easy to use in comparison.

  ‘There’s more cash in the safe if you run out of change but these days most people pay by card. You put the receipts for items sold on this side of the till, including excursions, and at the end of the day I’ll take you through cashing up and balancing the books.’ Julia bent down and picked the cashing up book from under the pay counter. ‘We then put the cash in the safe and Flynn usually pops in and picks it up most evenings.’

  ‘What about the excursions and boat hire?’ asked Bea, wondering what to charge for each.

  ‘Very simple. All boats are hired for an hour or half a day. The prices are up there so you can see them and so can the customers. There’s a discount for family hire.’ Julia tapped the poster. ‘The excursion prices and times are here; they leave every hour on the hour and the river taxis run every twenty minutes over to The Lakehouse restaurant. Roman is in charge of the river taxis and no doubt he’ll pop in at some point to say hello. Any questions?’

  Bea shook her head. ‘Not that I can think of.’ She looked up at the couple approaching the desk who wanted to hire a couple of kayaks for the next hour. Julia tapped a small book by the till, which logged the kayaks in and out, and Bea checked there were enough available. After taking the money and pointing them in the direction of the life jackets and oars, Bea had officially made her first sale.

  ‘That was fab! You have such a warm way with the customers,’ observed Julia. ‘And by the way, there’s just a little bit of housekeeping – make sure the shop is kept clean and tidy, and the same outside too.’

  Bea nodded. She was already thoroughly enjoying herself. The whole place had a lovely relaxed atmosphere about it.

  ‘Oh, and before I forget, there are some beautiful paintings for sale just outside the door, which Flynn has agreed to with a young artist called Nolan Hemingway, as he’s around until the River Festival. All his paintings have the prices written on the back in pencil. Cash sales only and here’s his tin. Any money for his sales goes in there.’

  At the sound of Nolan’s name, Bea felt her heart beat a little faster. Julia didn’t fail to notice the smile that had crept on to her face.

  ‘You should introduce yourself to him; you must be around the same age. He’s very easy on the eye. Get yourself out for a drink with him.’ As soon as those words left Julia’s mouth, she looked apologetic. ‘I’m so sorry, that was very insensitive of me, especially given the reason you’re here. I bet you don’t feel like looking in the direction of any young man at the minute. I’ve not even asked you how you are.’

  ‘Don’t be daft, there’s no need to apologise, and surprisingly I’m really good.’ Bea smiled but didn’t share the reason why she was feeling on top of the world. ‘It’s great to make new friends, even if it’s just for a couple of weeks. I’ll look him up.’

  ‘You do that. He seems very lovely and is obviously talented.’ Julia picked up a bag of files from behind the counter and walked towards the staff room.

  ‘Before I forget, you need to sign in, in the logbook, for health and safety reasons. It’s just here.’ Julia pointed to a book on the shelf by the staff room door. ‘And I’m going to do a little work in the staff room so if you need anything just ask.’

  ‘I’ll get that done now. Thank you again for the trial. I can’t wait to get going. Oh, there’s just one thing I don’t know … the number for the coastguard or lifeboat station. What if someone gets into trouble in the water?’

  Julia spun round. ‘Unfortunately, there isn’t one.’ She pointed to the sign on the wall. ‘It’s at their own risk.’

  Bea stared at the sign and immediately her thoughts turned back to when she was a teenager, her heart suddenly thumping faster for all the wrong reasons. It had been an afternoon of sunshine, the temperature hitting a whopping thirty degrees, and she’d been hanging out with her friends at the local lake. The water looked inviting and, not realising the dangers, some of her friends began to paddle near the edge. There was an island in the middle and soon they were daring each other to swim across. Bea tried to talk her friends out of it but they wouldn’t listen. She remembered they’d argued and Bea took off home. It wasn’t until a day later that she discovered one of her friends had got into trouble and hadn’t made it. The town was in mourning for weeks, the funeral packed. It was a devastating tragedy.

  ‘But why is there no lifeboat or coastguard? Surely with so many people out on the water it’s a must?’

  ‘I suppose funds. The cost would be considerable.’

  ‘But what about the cost of someone’s life? You can’t put a price on that.’ Bea’s voice was passionate.

  ‘I hear you, I really do, but keeping a lifeboat always ready to go to a rescue is an expensive business. There’s also the crew – we would have to rely on volunteers. Not to mention the crew training and actually running the lifeguard service and campaigning for water safety. There’s also the kit ... everything would depend on donations. It would take thousands.’

  ‘Has anyone tried?’ asked Bea. ‘Look at the amount of people out on the water right now.’ Bea pointed through the open hatch towards the river.

  Julia shook her head. ‘Not to my knowledge. The tourist industry in this area rocketed after the village of Heartcross hit the news with the bridge collapse. Then throw in local celebrities, the building of Starcross Manor, The Lakehouse and the reopening of Heartcross Castle, and of course the biggest mountain to climb in the Scottish Highlands, the annual boat race, the River Festival… People flock here. I feel like I’m trying to sell you a holiday.’ Julia smiled, obviously attempting to lighten the mood.

  Bea understood everything that Julia was saying, but Heartcross was now on the map and surely it should be a huge priority to keep everyone safe. Julia touched her elbow. ‘I need to get on. Anything you need, just shout, and don’t forget to sign in for your shift in the logbook, otherwise you won’t get paid for today. We can have a chat at the end of your shift about what’s next.’

  Watching Julia disappear into the staff room, Bea grabbed the logbook and placed it on the counter. There were numerous people looking through the wetsuits, and children trying to persuade their parents to buy them fishing nets. Bea smiled and let them know she was there if they needed any help. Then she opened the book. Julia had already signed in on arrival and Bea did the same: name, date and time of arrival. She turned back through some of the pages, discovering that the book went back several years.

  The morning had flown by and before Bea had time to catch her breath it was midday. She’d lost count of how many excursions she’d sold and kayaks she’d hired out. Roman, who was in charge of the river taxis, had popped by to introduce himself, and she had even managed to sell a handful of Nolan’s paintings. The door to the staff room opened and Julia placed a mug of tea on the counter for her.

  ‘Here you go, take five. You haven’t stopped. How’s it going so far?’ she asked.

  ‘Love it,’ replied Bea, meaning every word. ‘I mean, look at that view! And everyone is so happy and friendly. When I work in the supermarket it’s complaint after complaint from customers and I hardly see anyone smile.’

  ‘The difference here is that they’re all on holiday and when the weather is as gorgeous as this it makes the world a whole different place.’

  ‘Agreed,’ replied Bea, taking a sip of her tea. ‘I’ve hung the life jackets that have been returned back on those rails there and marked them in the book. I’ve sold four wetsuits too.’

  ‘You have taken to this job like a duck to water. How would you feel if I offered you the rest of the shifts for the next two weeks? That will give me time to sort out a job advert and interviewing schedule.’

  ‘How would I feel? I’d say, “Yes, please,” but I’ve been thinking…’ Bea had a huge smile on her face. ‘I don’t want to miss out. I would like to stick around for the River Festival and extend my holiday.’

  ‘And you want to work here until then?’

  Bea put her hands together as if praying. ‘If you’d have me?’

  ‘I’d bite your hand off and Flynn will be chuffed. It gives us extra time to sort out staffing ... but what about your job back home?’

  Bea had thought about nothing else all morning. In between customers she’d written down on a piece of paper what she liked and didn’t like about her employment at the supermarket, and what she didn’t like outweighed what she liked by quite a bit.

  ‘It’s been on my mind all morning. I think I’ve fallen out of love with it and I’ve decided it’s the first thing I’m going to change about my life. I’m going to take the bull by the horns and resign.’ Bea knew she was maybe being a little impulsive but it felt right, even though there was the slight worry of how she would pay her bills. She did have a small amount put away in her savings account to help her out for a short time. Leaving her job would be the first step on this new adventure of living life for herself.