Page 30 of A Summer of Secrets on Arran (Scottish Romances #5)

Later that night, Bella was sitting outside at the beach bar which was about twenty minutes from work along the Fisherman’s Walk, a raised wooden walkway which took her along the beach.

She couldn’t quite believe that she was in Scotland as she gazed at the bright blue sky and shimmering water that stretched out in front of her.

She’d kicked off her trainers and was digging her feet into the cool, crumbly sand.

She took a few shots with her phone and made a mental note to share them on Instagram later.

She had no idea the beach bar existed until Chantelle had mentioned it to her at work.

‘It’s a bit of a hidden gem,’ she’d said. ‘If you’re not sure where to go to then it is quite easy to miss.’

Bella was grateful that Chantelle had offered to take her one night after work. As she had finished up for the day, Chantelle had placed a hand on her arm. ‘If you’re free tonight, let me show you Brodick’s coolest bar.’

Now that she was here, it did indeed feel like the world’s most amazing bar. She could have been on a Greek island or a Caribbean beach albeit without the soaring temperatures. Yet it was warm enough to sit with her cotton dress on and shoes off and feel quite comfortable.

‘What did I tell you?’ said Chantelle arriving back at the table, from the beach house bar, with two pale green cocktails which looked very refreshing.

‘I know, you were right. It’s out of this world,’ said Bella. ‘I had no idea it was here. It’s absolutely stunning. You must come here all the time. Not bad for your local bar, eh?’

Chantelle sighed and took a sip of her drink through a straw.

‘That lemon balm that’s in there is divine,’ she said, smacking her lips together.

‘I don’t actually come enough. You know what it’s like, there’s always other stuff to do like laundry and shopping and life admin.

It’s good you’re here as it’s reminded me that we have amazing stuff on our doorstep but it’s easy to get waylaid with the routine. ’

Bella took a sip of her drink. ‘It’s delicious and very drinkable,’ she said. ‘I know what you mean. I guess this is all quite a novelty for me at the moment with being new here. It’s so different to life in Glasgow.’

‘No ties to keep you there then?’ asked Chantelle.

‘Nope. I am single, which is the best way to be.’ Bella already knew that Chantelle lived with her partner who had recently moved to the island from Ayr on the mainland.

‘Well, a change can be a good thing, Bella,’ said Chantelle, drawing her from her thoughts. ‘And from the feedback I’ve heard from guests, they seem to be really happy with your treatments. Especially your reflexology technique. So I for one am glad you’re part of the team.’

‘Aw, thanks,’ said Bella. ‘I love it. I really do. It’s a great place to work and I’m glad I’m being kept busy.

’ She had only been there for a few days but so far, so good.

The great thing about starting her new job so quickly meant that she didn’t have time to analyse whether she was doing the right thing.

She realised that the move to Arran and this new job was all about her and nobody else which actually felt rather good.

And as they chatted, Bella realised that her shoulders were no longer hunched.

She actually felt relaxed for the first time in ages.

There had been so much tension at her old work, everyone walking on eggshells, that she hadn’t noticed just how on edge she had been.

Maybe it was the sea air, or having a boss who was relaxed and not always worried like Georgie had been, but she really did feel like she was on holiday.

Wasn’t there a saying that if you enjoyed what you did you would never work another day in your life?

As she gazed at the water gently lapping the shore and listened to the chatter and laughter around her, she felt as though she had found the job of her dreams.

* * *

Later that night as she lay on her bed in her room in the staff quarters, she posted the pictures from the beach bar on her social media.

Within minutes her phone pinged with a message from Ben.

They’d been messaging quite a bit since she had sent the picture of Teddy which had triggered a lot of reminiscing.

It had clearly brought back happy memories for him too.

It was as though they were kids again, easily exchanging banter and having a bit of a laugh.

Looks quite nice, he messaged. Are you actually in Bali??

She typed a laughing emoji. Looks very tropical, doesn’t it? Who would have thought the Firth of Clyde could look so inviting?

I can’t believe I didn’t know about that place when I was there last summer.

Insider knowledge , typed Bella, who grinned as they continued to chat.

You’ll need to take me there one day.

She smiled when she read his reply. Then quickly sent another of her own. You’re on.

Bella had previously told him that it was nice seeing his mum and that she seemed to be doing well.

She didn’t think it was appropriate, though, to tell him about his mum’s fledgling romance with Luke.

She didn’t want to worry Ben, as she knew he was protective of his mum, especially after what his dad had done.

Bella had mentioned that she was sorry about what had happened with his parents and that she hoped he was okay.

Thanks for asking, Bella. Lots of people don’t. They have just like totally avoided the subject. Which makes me feel even worse.

Bella was glad that she had addressed it rather than trying to pretend it hadn’t happened.

They’d always been frank with each other growing up and she was glad they could still be honest with each other.

Although she wasn’t yet ready to tell him the real story behind her sudden arrival on Arran last week with Luke. Where to even begin?

Yawning and then looking at the clock by her bed, she realised she would need to get some sleep.

It was later than she thought and she was glad that she and Chantelle had only had one cocktail at the beach.

Though she was very tempted to stay and have more.

But the last thing she needed was to have a hangover in her first week into the job.

Well , she typed, some of us need our beauty sleep. I’d better get to bed.

I think you must be referring to me. You look okay to me.

Bella felt her heart skip a beat. Was he flirting? Then she reminded herself that he had a girlfriend.

Very smooth, I can see your chat is still as good as ever. Speak tomorrow!

He sent back a laughing emoji and she quickly locked her phone and then switched off her lamp. She closed her eyes and was soon dreaming about being at the beach with a cocktail in her hand, the gentle sound of waves rolling into shore and the feel of warm sand beneath her feet.