Page 26 of A Summer of Secrets on Arran (Scottish Romances #5)

Isobel burst out laughing. ‘I know, she is a force to be reckoned with. She’ll be on The Voice next.’

Bella had bitten the bullet and, thanks to her gran’s tip, she had called the spa at the hotel and said she heard they were looking for a therapist and she was available to start immediately.

They had called her in for an interview and Bella, who decided she had nothing to lose, was confident and breezy and able to answer all the questions without clamming up.

She smiled as she thought about her answer to the final question, what do you love most about your job?

Bella had replied that she loved making a difference to people in such a short space of time.

‘I love how different people are when they leave compared to how they are when they arrive and they literally have the weight of the world on their shoulders. It is a real privilege to hold that space for people and to give them a wee bit of pampering which can make a massive positive difference to their day. I love it when people leave feeling lighter and leave their tension behind.’ The words were spoken from her heart and the spa manager, Chantelle, had beamed at her.

‘Well, Bella,’ she said, ‘that was a really good interview. I can see why you are good at what you do. You clearly love your job.’

Bella hadn’t needed to feign any enthusiasm at all as she realised just how much she loved the work she did.

All the stresses at her old salon had taken away the enjoyment of the job as everyone had been so on edge and worried about whether they would stay open or not.

With hindsight, it seemed ironic that a place of supposed wellness had actually made the staff so on edge.

‘I do,’ she said, nodding her head. She hadn’t actually realised how much she wanted the job until she was sitting there in the interview.

The hotel spa was impressive with several treatment rooms and the leisure facilities for guests made it extra special too.

The décor was fresh and light with the walls painted in pale shades of lime which was very calming.

‘I will need to check your references,’ said Chantelle. ‘But if they check out, which I’m sure they will do, then we can get the ball rolling.’

Bella knew that Georgie would give her a good reference so that wouldn’t be a problem.

‘And you said you can start immediately?’ said Chantelle.

‘Yes, I can. I might have to nip back to Glasgow to get some of my stuff. But I can be flexible about that.’

‘And you know that live-in accommodation comes with the role if you need it? It’s something we’re really pleased to be able to do. And it means we are more attractive as an employer.’

Bella couldn’t believe her luck. It felt as though the planets were aligned and everything was falling into place. ‘Thank you,’ she said, almost in disbelief. ‘That would be great.’

Chantelle reached for her hand and shook it warmly. ‘I will be in touch later today.’ She glanced at her watch and then her notes. ‘Is this the best number to call you on?’

‘Yes,’ said Bella.

‘Right, Bella, thanks for coming in and I will phone you as soon as I can.’

Now, as she sat in Rosie’s garden with her mum, she kept frantically checking her phone. She didn’t want to miss Chantelle’s call.

‘If they offer you the job, will you need to start straight away?’ asked her mum.

‘I did say that I would nip back to Glasgow to get some stuff. Is that okay? I arrived here with very little.’ Her trip to Troon felt like months ago rather than just over a week ago and she had managed by borrowing some of her mum’s clothes.

‘If I go home and get my stuff sorted and move into my new place, the room is then free for Ash and the new man and I’m not in the way. ’

‘You wouldn’t be in the way,’ scoffed her mum. ‘Anyway, who knows what’s happening. Ash may well come alone.’

‘I’ve already gate-crashed your holiday with Rosie . . . I don’t want to overstay my welcome. But I will definitely be back in time to see Ash. I wouldn’t miss that for the world.’

Isobel was about to say something when Bella’s phone started to buzz. She jumped up and answered. ‘Hello,’ she said, her stomach fluttering with nerves.

‘Hi, Bella. It’s me, Chantelle. I’m so pleased to say that your reference is all good and I can offer you the job.’

Bella grinned at her mum and silently punched the air. ‘That’s great news. Thank you so much. I can’t wait to start.’

‘Would Monday work for you, Bella? That gives you the weekend to get sorted and then if you come in on Monday morning for nine o’clock, we can sort out your uniform and all the paperwork then.

Oh, and if you want to access your accommodation on Sunday that’s fine.

I will just send you an email about that now.

You know where to go and someone will let you in. ’

‘Thank you, Chantelle. I am so looking forward to getting started.’

‘Me too,’ said Chantelle and laughed. ‘I’ll see you Monday.’

‘Bye,’ sang Bella, and ended the call. She ran to her mum and hugged her tightly.

‘This is such great news,’ said Isobel. ‘What a great experience. And you know Rosie isn’t too far away if you need her.’

Bella beamed. ‘Thanks Mum. Er . . . I have one more favour to ask though,’ she said, trying to keep her tone light.

Isobel raised an eyebrow. ‘I wonder what that could be . . . you’d like to borrow the car to go back to Glasgow?’

She nodded sheepishly. ‘Is that okay? It just makes it easier for me to go and get all my stuff.’

Isobel reached up and ruffled her hair. ‘Of course it is.’

‘Hey,’ said Rosie, walking through the front door with Coisty. She looked at them, puzzled. ‘Have I missed something?’

‘Oh, Rosie, guess what? I’ve got myself a job at the hotel spa round in Brodick.’

‘Amazing news. I’m so pleased for you Bella.’ Rosie gave her a big hug.

‘Aye well, she has lots to do. She’s got to head back home to get some stuff. Isn’t that right, Bella?’

Bella’s mind was racing and she didn’t know what to do first. Run upstairs and grab her bag or try and sort the ferry. As though reading her mind, Rosie took charge.

‘You’d better get cracking then. Go and gather your stuff and me and your mum will see if we can get you on the next ferry.’

Bella chuckled. ‘You two are the best. And this job will be the best. It feels like things are finally looking up.’