‘I presume you’ll be taking that on the Scottish trip for its first outing?’
‘Hope so. If it’s finished.’
As they continued to chat, the station got busier and the trainspotters on the far end of the platform began to buzz with excitement as a freight train approached. Nancy advised a couple of passengers, stepped into a side door for a bit, dealt with a train, and was back a few minutes later.
'So, this Scottish adventure. What will that entail?' Nancy asked.
‘Not sure. Logan says it's beautiful – all rolling hills and lochs. There's even an old ruin of a castle.’
Nancy whistled. 'A castle, eh? Fancy that. You'll be the lady of the manor before we know it.'
Cally flushed. 'Don’t even go there.’
‘Don’t worry. Us mere mortals down here will keep you grounded.'
As they stood there chatting away and putting the world to rights, the sound of another approaching train grew louder. The trainspotters at the end of the platform were practically vibrating with excitement, cameras poised and necks craned.
Nancy eyerolled. 'Oh, here we go. Brace yourself for the excitement of railway engineering at its finest. I swear I’ll have to save a life one day when someone keels over or has a heart attack. Good job this station is equipped for any eventuality.'
As the platform began to move, the trainspotters erupted into a flurry of activity, snapping photos and scribbling notes. Cally watched the platform do its thing, fascinated despite herself. 'I have to admit, itispretty impressive.'
Nancy smiled. 'That it is. Just another of Lovely Bay's hidden wonders. I include myself as one.’
As the train moved on, Cally looked up at the board over the platform. 'Oh, I think that might be Eloise's train coming in now.'
‘Yep. Well, I'd better push off back to work. If I don’t see you, have a wonderful time in Scotland.'
‘Thanks, Nance. Yeah, I’ll probably bump into you before I go.’
As Nancy headed off in the direction of the station master’s house, Cally got lost in people-watching as she waited for Eloise’s train. When it pulled into the station, Cally smiled and waved as Eloise arrived. ‘Hiya! How was your journey?'
‘All good. No delays, just a chatty person next to me who wanted to tell me his life story and had very questionable train snacks. But I'm here now.'
‘It’s so good to see you.’
‘What have you been up to? Ready for your trip?’
‘Ahh, loads, mostly working.’ Cally filled Eloise in on the plans for the Scotland trip.
‘I just can't help feeling a bit out of my depth. I mean, a castle ruin? I'm probably overthinking it all.’
‘You’ll be fine. Anyway, that's what I'm here for. To talk you down from your worried little ledges and remind you how amazing you are. You can tell me all about how you're planning to pack your entire wardrobe for the trip over coffee.'
Cally groaned. 'Don't even get me started on the packing. I have no idea what to take. Ballgowns to breakfast…'
Eloise laughed. ‘I reckon your new Lovely Bay coat and wellies will do the trick. Come on, let's go. I need caffeine.’
Fifteen or so minutes later, they strolled along by Lovely Bay's harbour. Fishing boats bobbed up and down and the smellof fish and chips and the scent of salt, seaweed, and sunshine hung in the air. In other words: nice. Very nice, indeed.
Eloise linked her arm through Cally's as they navigated around an abandoned coil of fishing rope left on the harbour wall. 'So, are you going to tell me what else is going on, or do I have to guess?'
Cally smiled. Trust Eloise to see right through her. 'Am I that obvious?'
'Only to someone who knows you as well as I do. Come on, spill. You’re up to something.'
'I wanted to wait until I saw you to tell you. Birdie offered me a promotion.’
Eloise stopped in her tracks. She made a funny face and widened her eyes. ‘What? That's fantastic news!’
