‘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 willdefinitelybe 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.’
Chapter Twenty-Five
