‘Yes, love,’ she said. ‘I’m off home for a rest. And I’m sure Rosie will be glad to have her house back to herself too.’
‘And what about Gran?’
‘What about her?’
‘Does she know about Ash?’
Her mum shook her head. ‘No, well, unless she is psychic. But I didn’t tell her. Much as I love my mum, that would have complicated things even more. To be fair she seemed to accept what I said and never asked me about it again.’
Bella frowned. That was most unlike the gran that she knew and loved. ‘And will you tell her? About Ash? I’m sure she will be fine about it all.’
Isobel yawned. ‘Yes, I will. But I will choose my moment. I don’t have the energy at the moment to share that nugget of news quite yet . . . I will bide my time.’
Bella couldn’t stop herself from laughing. Her gran had recently told her that she considered herself to be very open-minded. ‘Yes, I think that’s wise, Mum. Although Gran did tell me the other day that she considers herself to be quitewoke.’
Ash chuckled and her mum groaned. ‘I was in the car with her and she was busy telling me what a progressive attitude she has. Meanwhile, she almost crashed the car as she flicked her finger and gestured at the other driver . . .’
‘Oh, Gran! What is she like?’ Bella laughed, and her eyes welled up with affection as she thought about her wee gran. Bella had thought a lot about her mum the past couple of days and how much she had sacrificed to bring her up as a solo parent. She thought about her gran and the amazing bond they had. Memories of getting together with Ash, Rosie and Ben on beach picnics in Troon and Gullane and visits to Edinburgh Zoo flitted through her head. Her mum and gran also used to bring her over to Brodick when she was a wee girl. She had so much to be grateful for.
Ash got out the car and gave her a hug. ‘This looks like a nice place,’ he said. ‘Maybe I’ll check out the spa and book in for a treatment while I’m here. A manicure or something like that.’ He winked at her.
That was much more like the Ash she was used to and that put her at ease. ‘Send me a text when you’re settled and maybe we can make plans to have dinner tomorrow?’ she suggested.
‘Sounds like a plan. It’s a shame I couldn’t get booked into the hotel but I am quite looking forward to checking this guesthouse out. It looks very stylish.’
‘What’s it called?’ said Isobel.
‘It’s Meadowbank Guesthouse. It’s not far from here.’
‘That name rings a bell. I’m sure we’ll find it,’ said her mum.
‘I know the name of that place too,’ said Bella. ‘My friend at work lives there. Her parents run it.’
‘I’ll come and have a nosy and help you get all settled,’ said Isobel.
‘I’m sure poor Rosie is glad to be shot of us for a while. What a summer she’s had!’ said Ash. ‘I feel like I’ve barely had a chance to ask her about Dermot and how she is bearing up.’
‘I don’t think her summer has been all bad,’ said Isobel, giving Bella a wink.
‘I saw that,’ said Ash. ‘What have I missed?’
Her mum gave him one of her looks. ‘I’ll fill you in later.’
Ash’s eyes lit up at the thought of some news that didn’t involve him.
Bella gave her “parents” a bright smile and then walked away. ‘See you later,’ she called.
‘Ask Ben if he’s free for dinner too?’ Ash called after her.
She nodded and as she walked away, she let her shoulders slump. Bella was exhausted. It had been an intense couple of days and she was looking forward to her own space now, pulling on her pyjamas and just relaxing in her own bed tonight. But she alsohadto talk to Ben. He was not going to believe what had happened. As soon as she was back in the privacy of her own room, she texted him.
I’m back in Brodick. Are we still on for later when you get a break? X
She didn’t have to wait long for his reply.Definitely. Meet me by the distillery? I should be there in an hour. x
Chapter Thirty-Six
Bella hadn’t yet made it inside the distillery but had admired it from the outside every time she had passed. It was a stunning building which seemed to blend in with the surroundings. It was right on the beach and had floor-to-ceiling windows, with amazing views across the water. Becky, from work, had mentioned that her Aunt Emma had married there two years ago. Now, as she approached it, the sky was streaked with pink and she could understand why it was such a romantic spot.
