Page 5 of Sailing Free at Loch Tunnagan (Loch Tunnagan #1)
T he scenery changed from built-up urban streets to open farmland. Finally, the winding road led her between towering hills; a landscape that drew her into its rugged embrace. She was approaching Loch Tunnagan.
The huge mountains that flanked the road felt like they were protecting her; almost shielding her from the pain that was determined to pierce her to the core.
Finally, the wheels of the car crunched over gravel as she entered the parking area. She pulled up next to the only other vehicle there; an old red pickup which, despite its age, had been polished up carefully. The setting sun glinted with a warm sparkle on the cherry door beside her.
A cool breeze carried the smells of spring down from the hills and over the loch as Jess approached the small wooden dock.
She walked towards 'The Sauncy Lass’ and almost tripped over a duck huddled beside the mooring ropes.
There were dozens of them roosting around the mild shelter of the ropes and posts along the length of the dock.
Once on board, she swayed slightly as she became accustomed to the unsteadying movements of her temporary new home.
Everything felt unsteady right now. The reality of her situation suddenly hit her.
For the first time in her life, she had acted completely on impulse.
She had no planned itinerary, no schedules…
. in fact, she didn’t even have clothes for tomorrow.
Her breath caught in her throat and her hands trembled. Normally, she would tidy the flat if she was upset or stressed. It felt therapeutic. But Edith had left the two small bedrooms and galley kitchen spotless.
With nothing to do, Jess made her way outside. A lungful of cool Lochside air helped steady her nerves enough to think of the immediate tasks at hand. Clothes and food were top of the priority list.
She had researched the area extensively prior to purchasing the boat and knew her chances of finding a shop that sold clothing in the small village was slim; but hopefully there would be somewhere open to buy food.
Strolling along the narrow pavements Jess found it hard not to admire the quaintness of her surroundings. Shop windows glowed warmly in the dusky evening light. As expected, most door signs were now turned to CLOSED.
However, one cafe was still bustling with life. Her stomach rumbled in response to the delicious aromas of coffee and home baked cakes that drifted out to meet her.
Upon entering, Jess spotted Edith sitting at a large crowded table chatting amicably.
Edith waved her over. “This is the lovely Jess who I was telling you all about, she bought ‘The Sauncy Lass’.”
Everybody greeted her as Edith looked on with a curious gaze.
“I thought you were heading back this morning?”
Jess stammered slightly, “Erm, my plans changed. I’m actually going to be staying on the boat for a while.”
Edith’s smile faltered for only the briefest of seconds, a knowing look passing over her face.
“That sounds like a wonderful adventure,” she said, patting Jess’ hand. Jess realised that this was the first physical human contact she’d had in around a week. The realisation surprised her. The sense of warmth and companionship from the woman stayed with her.
Jess nodded numbly, excused herself and made her way to the counter. She was greeted by a woman with a warm smile.
“What can I get for you?”
Jess was about to place her order when Edith spoke over her; clearly thinking the woman had been speaking to her . “Could I get one of your wonderful scones and a pot of tea please Olivia.”
The others at the table voiced their approval and started adding their own orders, Olivia shot Jess an apologetic look.
Jess smiled and shrugged at the misunderstanding.
With a look of clear affection, Olivia shouted over to the group, “Can you hold your horses, I’m serving this lovely lady (Jess… .was it?) first.”
Over the hubbub of apologies from the assembled book group, Olivia leaned across the counter and grinned at Jess, “Now, what can I get you ?”
Jess laughed,“I’m not sure. I haven’t eaten in a while,I skipped lunch. What would you recommend?”
Olivia looked down at the menu, written in careful handwritten letters beside the till.
Most of it was cakes but there were paninis, toasties, and baked potatoes.
Olivia considered the menu and turned back to Jess, “I’m afraid most of the savoury items sold out over lunch and the after-school rush.
However, I normally make my own tea in the back when this lot is in.
It’s as easy to make an extra portion. You OK with spaghetti carbonara? ”
Jess’ stomach growled before she could reply and Olivia smiled, “I’ll take that as a yes. Grab a seat and I’ll be out with it in a few minutes.”
Jess was taken aback by Olivia and her kindness, “Are you sure you have enough?”
“There’s always enough.” Olivia’s whole demeanour; her adaptability and efficiency, created a contagiously laid-back attitude in the cafe.
Jess was about to move to her seat then hesitated, “You don’t know of anywhere nearby that sells clothing, do you?” Heat flooded her cheeks. She was certain that Olivia had overheard her conversation with Edith and was probably curious as to how Jess had ended up in this position.
“The gift shop sells some lovely clothes but you’ll need to drive to the next town along if you want a bigger selection.”
Jess thanked her and went to sit down. As she passed Edith’s table the old lady looked up at her.
“Jess, you should join us next time. We pick a book to read each month and then meet up here to chat about it. The book for next month is ‘The Castle by The Loch ‘by Hannah Ellis. You’d bring the average age of our little group down considerably!”
“That’s very kind of you but I won’t be here in a month,” Jess replied and wondered if this was actually true. She had no idea what her future held.
Her work life was intricately entwined with Ryan’s. To step back from that, was to step back from a business that she’d poured her heart and soul into for eight years. But did she see herself walking back into the office tomorrow, or next week? Even next month seemed hard to imagine.
The smell of carbonara drifted from the kitchen and she forced thoughts of work and Ryan aside. Work could wait for a change. A good meal and a night’s sleep would give her some clarity.
Olivia came out of the kitchen backwards carrying two plates and balancing a third between them.
The third plate was stacked with various little nibbles; olives, sun dried tomatoes, and a few sliced veggies.
She slid the pile of plates onto the table in front of Jess, “I hope you don’t mind, I just thought it might be nice to eat together? ”
“Of course, it’ll be good to have some company,” replied Jess.
Olivia sat on the chair opposite, giving herself an easy view of Edith’s group, ready for any additional requests they might have.
She picked up a fork and took a mouthful of creamy pasta and ham.
After finishing her mouthful she looked up at Jess, “It’s not often I get a chance to sit and eat like this.
Not easy running your own business, there’s always something needing done. ”
Jess’ phone was vibrating in her handbag, an endless barrage of messages from Ryan no doubt. Bile rose in her stomach as images of him and Steph flooded her mind. She lifted the phone from her bag and with a shaky hand switched it off.
Taking a steadying breath, she forced herself to smile then turned her attention back to Olivia, “Always...and when you're done with the day-to-day jobs you feel constant pressure to plan the next step and enhance the business.”
Olivia laughed at that, “Initially yes, but I’m happy with the cafe as it is now. It keeps me busy at this pace.”
The drive to always grow bigger than the year before, had been at the core of Jess’ thoughts for so long that she had come to equate this with success.
Olivia smiled at Jess’ vacant expression, “Well, maybe I could change things a little, but it’s nice to have a bit of time left for myself at the end of each day. A moment to take a break, maybe go for a run, you know, just detach for a few minutes.”
Jess remembered a time when she had made an effort to include some ‘me’ time in her day but somehow work had become her ‘me’ time instead, “I can’t remember the last time I went for a run.”
Olivia lifted the plate of antipasti towards Jess, “Help yourself.”
She picked a sun-dried tomato, enjoying the burst of sweetness, “Thanks.”
Olivia took another glance at the gathered reading group before turning her attention back to Jess, “You mentioned needing clothes. Did something happen to your luggage?”
Jess shook her head, “To be truthful, I didn’t actually pack anything. I left in a bit of a hurry.”
She paused, unsure of whether to divulge more. Suddenly, the thought of having an unobjective ear was appealing. She decided to carry on and told Olivia about the events of the day. It felt cathartic to say it all out loud.
Olivia placed her hand on top of Jess', "That’s awful. I’m so sorry. I'll lend you some things until you get yourself sorted.”
Jess was taken aback by Olivia’s offer. Life in a small country village was so different to what she was used to. People in the city tended to be more wary of strangers.
“Really? Thanks so much, that would be great!”
Olivia got up to help one of the ladies get a jug of water, talking as she did, “No problem, I live upstairs. You look about my size but you might want to try a couple of things on to be sure. I’ll show you up once we’re finished eating.”
The meal hit the spot and afterwards Jess was escorted up a staircase at the back of the cafe.
The flat had an open plan kitchen - living room with expansive windows that displayed a breathtaking view of the loch at twilight.
Lights from the village danced on the lapping waves leaving Jess entranced.
“Take a seat and I’ll bring through some things for you to try,” suggested Olivia.
She returned with a bundle of clothes in her arms, “I wasn’t sure what you might need. It’s a warm night but all the same, if you’re sleeping out on the boat tonight, you’ll need some cosy pyjamas.”
“Oh, and I thought you might want some stuff for a run. There’s a nice track that circles along the banks of the loch.”
Jess popped into Olivia’s bathroom to try on a couple of things. Some of the tops draped a bit at the shoulders. Working in the kitchen had given Olivia some enviable strength to match.
She slipped on the running gear last. The idea had grown all the more attractive from Olvia’s description of the scenic routes around the loch. She hadn’t been for a run in so long that the tightness of the leggings and the sports top were slightly unfamiliar.
She checked in the mirror to discover that she’d grown a little curvier than she realised. She didn’t mind it though; the curves of her hips were a surprising boost for her; more womanly than the stick-thin girl she’d been back in her uni days.
She popped back into the living room to a “woop woo,” from Olivia, “You make those leggings look a lot better than I do. If you're staying a few days maybe we could run together? I always feel like I need someone there to motivate me.”
“That would be awesome,” replied Jess.
“Here’s my number. Send me a text when you fancy going out.”
Olivia handed over a slip of paper with her number scribbled on it along with a canvas carrier bag. Some groceries for the morning lay beside a small bottle of wine and a few books.
The emotions she had held at bay all day were dangerously close to brimming over and Olivia’s kind gesture put them at the tipping point.
It was time to go before the torrent of tears arrived.