Ginny nodded. ‘I bought a knitted one from Luna, but I’ll pop in and buy a pin from you too, chick.’
Lottie thanked her, then went back to reading her book. Sophie had her eyes closed, so Ginny made her way over to the slanted wide steps of the pool.
The tepid water made her smile, taking her back to the days she’d slip off after school to the small beach by the harbour and paddle away her troubles. Life was a lot easier now, she reminded herself, even if she felt sandwiched between her job and mother. At least she had choices now.
Floating on her back, Ginny closed her eyes and smiled. It was a cold November day outside the spa, but in the pool, it was as though springtime had come early, easing her bruised back and soothing her weary soul.
Chapter 9
Will
Will had just got back from Wales. He thought he’d be back before Saturday, but things had dragged with the estate agents. At least his flat was now on the market. All he had to do was clear out the last few bits and pieces before any handover, then he could kiss goodbye to the area he grew up in and start afresh in Port Berry.
He was pleased to be back. Pleased he would get to see Ginny again soon. He’d grown accustomed to her face already, and each time she entered his mind, he smiled.
The elderly lady who owned Seaview B&B was watering some leafy plants by the arched main door. She lowered her watering can, then attempted to swipe an orange feather duster over the stained-glass window at the top of the door. As she was short, her cleaning aid barely made it to the hull of the boat in the glass.
Will crossed the small foyer to help.
‘Cheers, lovey. I was going to get the stepladder.’
‘No need. Anything else I can help you with, Mabel?’
She pointed a bony finger to the top right of the window. ‘Missed a bit.’
Will grinned as he covered the pane with the duster. ‘Better?’
‘Brilliant. Go grab yourself a bickie.’
‘I’m good, thanks.’
Mabel’s splodges of pink blusher gave the impression she was rather hot and flustered, not that she ever gave off that vibe.
‘Do you want me to make you a cuppa?’ he asked.
Mabel nudged his arm. ‘Get away with you, young Will. You’re a guest.’
Will followed her over to the light-wood reception counter, where a large guestbook sat open. ‘I don’t mind.’
‘You’re a good egg. I can tell. So, did you get everything sorted in Wales?’
‘Pretty much. Erm, not sure how much longer I’ll be here, Mabel. I need to start looking for somewhere permanent. Speaking of which, I’ve been meaning to ask you something. You wouldn’t happen to know if any of the shops along here would be available soon? I did speak to an estate agent, but he wasn’t aware of anything. Thought you might know if anyone’s mentioned moving on soon.’
‘Goodness, Will. Must be some fairy dust floating around your head, son.’
He had no idea what that meant but judging by the sparkle in her pale-blue eyes, it was good.
Mabel squealed quietly as she clasped her wrinkly hands. ‘Come with me.’
‘Where we going?’ he asked, following her outside.
An icy breeze whipped up the salt from the sea as a seagull cried overhead before swooping down to swipe something from the top of a litter bin.
Mabel waved over at the perfume shop two doors down. ‘Not been here long. Never did too well. Takings are low, low, low. Sheila wants shot. Told me so yesterday. Who wants a perfume shop along here? No one, that’s for sure.’ She placed a palm out, stopping him from entering. ‘What you got in mind?’
‘Tearoom. Noticed there wasn’t one along the front. Thought it might make a good business for me.’
‘Ooh, I’d say, lovey.’ She winked, then tugged him towards the door. ‘Leave it with me.’
