‘Yuck,’ said Isobel. ‘Summer in Scotland. Just brilliant. Fabulous sunshine one minute, pishing rain the next.’
‘Doesn’t matter,’ said Luke. ‘At least we managed to have coffee and delicious scones before it started. Thanks, Isobel. I must get it next time.’
‘I’ll hold you to it,’ said Isobel.
The atmosphere in the car was sombre as they drove back to Kildonan and Rosie couldn’t help thinking that the weather matched everyone’s gloomy mood. Everyone seemed lost in their thoughts and as the windscreen wipers screeched as fast as they could to keep up with the rainfall, she couldn’t help thinking that the miserable weather had set the tone for the rest of the day. She just hoped the ferry that Ash was on wasn’t cancelled.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Bella still couldn’t quite get over the fact that Ben was actually here on the island. After their surprise reunion at Cèic, Isobel and Rosie had suggested that she help him move his things over to the flat in Brodick.
‘If you two take the car over, that means you are back in time for your shift starting, Bella,’ said Isobel, in full organisational mode.
‘By the time you get back to the cottage,’ said Rosie to Ben, ‘I will have your laundry sorted and some meals made for your freezer and can drop you back off.’
Bella laughed as she saw Ben’s eyes widen. ‘I wouldn’t argue with either of them.’
‘You are outnumbered, Ben. It’s better if you just do as you are told,’ said Isobel, drily.
‘Okay. Whatever you say.’
James had asked Ben if he could start working at the distillery that night as they were short-staffed and holding a wedding. He was more than happy to help.
Bella and Ben had slipped into an easy banter together as they had ferried his belongings, and a pile of cleaning products that Rosie had insisted they take, to the upstairs flat which was handily placed for the distillery.
‘This is ideal, isn’t it?’ she said, looking around at the sparse but clean flat.
‘Yes, it will be nice to have some space again. I have slept in too many different beds these last few months.’
Bella had raised an eyebrow and given him a knowing look which had made him blush.
‘I didn’t mean like that,’ he insisted.
‘Whatever you say,’ she said, smiling.
‘Let’s catch up properly when we next have some time off together?’ said Ben suddenly.
‘Great. Though I suspect you are going to be full on for a bit if you’re just starting. You know Ash is arriving soon?’
‘Yeah, Mum mentioned that already.’
Bella had glanced at her watch and groaned when she realised the time. ‘I really need to run,’ she said. ‘Chantelle won’t be happy if I’m late.’
‘Come on, I’ll run you round to the hotel,’ said Ben. ‘May as well make the most of Mum’s car while I have it.’
Bella was glad she would have a few more minutes with him and as he drove around the bay she couldn’t help but notice the blonde hairs on his tanned and very muscular arms. She gave herself a shake. ‘Just in here is great,’ she said, signalling to the small road where the staff accommodation was situated. ‘Thanks, Ben. I hope tonight goes well at work and we can catch up properly soon?’ She unclipped the seatbelt and felt herself tremble slightly when he put his hand on her arm.
‘Thanks for your help today, Bella. It’s great to see you.’ He reached over and kissed her on the cheek and she could smell the scent of his shampoo.
‘See you soon,’ she’d said, blushing, as she got out the car. He’d grinned at her and driven off.
Now Bella had a couple of days off work and was on the bus making her way round to Kildonan where she would stay for the night. The rain had started falling that morning and had been constant ever since. It was such a contrast to the other evening when she had been at the beach bar. But she reminded herself that it didn’t matter what the weather was like. Tonight’s excitement was that Ash was finally here and she didn’t care whether it rained, snowed or hailed. She was almost giddy with excitement at the thought of seeing Ash, who she loved to bits.
As the bus meandered its way to the south of the island, she looked out the window letting her thoughts drift. She thought about how much she was enjoying work and how lovely the team were. She’d made friends with one of the lifeguards at the pool, Becky, who was back from university in Dundee for the summer. They had made plans to go out later that week and Becky had also invited her to try out her aunt’s yoga class at the village hall. Bella closed her eyes and thought about Ben. Again. He had messaged her a few times saying work was great but crazily busy.
The journey to Rosie’s cottage took around half an hour and although she had texted her mum to let her know she was on her way, she hadn’t received a reply which was unusual. Her mum’s phone was normally always with her. Although maybe she’d just got completely distracted with the excitement of Ash being back and didn’t realise Bella had been in touch.
By the time Bella got off the bus and made the walk to Creel Cottage she was completely drenched. She knocked the door quickly, hoping someone would let her in and fast.
