Page 100 of New Beginnings on Railway Lane

She knew he wasn’t one for great declarations, but the fact that he had told her that she had his love always meant that she found herself pressing the card against her own heart, wishing she could tell him the same. Perhaps she could tell him when she was leaving about how she felt, but that was ridiculous. After all, she didn’t want to hurt him. She cared for him too much. She loved him.

She sat bolt upright in her seat with shock before leaning back to put her head against the headrest, closing her eyes. When had she fallen in love with Ryan? Was it when they had been bickering and snapping at each other? Or later during all those lovely evenings spent in front of the fire? Was it when they had been building a business together? The restaurant? Or was it the first time he had taken her in his arms and kissed her that she had found herself wishing that she would never leave?

But shewasleaving, she reminded herself. She had already got on a train to London.

She wondered whether she would have time after the interview to head back to her apartment. But the thought of the apartment gave her no joy. It had been a formal, dismal place without any discernible happy memories. Gerard had been there for a while, but he had been right. She had been cold and distant with him. She had never been like that with Ryan. Never wanted to. The heat between them was too real. And so was the love.

Somewhat dumbstruck, the tears pricked her eyes. She really loved Ryan. She was utterly and completely in love with him. And yet she had decided to leave anyway. Just how afraid was she of being hurt? But she trusted Ryan, and Bob, and Eddie and all her new friends. They wanted her to be happy and cared about her too.

All too soon, the train drew into London and she raced across the great city to Park Lane where the new hotel was.

She stared around at the entrance hall in amazement when she stepped inside. It was gleaming, white, gold and glitzy. A very upmarket place. Katy allowed herself a wry smile. It was in stark contrast to the creaking floorboards and open fire of Platform 1, let alone the railway carriages.

But this was her business. This was everything she knew. And it was everything she wanted, wasn’t it?

She was shown into one of the private dining rooms where the interview was to be held. She held her head up high and gave her usual firm handshake as she sat down with the two directors.

‘Your résumé is very impressive,’ said the man.

‘Thank you,’ she replied.

‘We feel that on paper at least you’re absolutely right for this job,’ said the female interviewer.

She then went on to outline the position. Katy sat there stunned. It was the job of a lifetime. It would mean more work, of course. Longer hours. But it would be the pinnacle of her career. Something she had longed for and worked so hard for over the course of many years.

She smiled and nodded in all the right places as she listened. But although her head was nodding its approval, her heart stayed empty. There was no flutter of joy. No thrill at the incredible opportunity. Instead there was just a dull ache. Of a life to be lived without Ryan.

He had saved her. She belonged somewhere now. She was a part of something other than work. She had a life, friends and a man she loved and adored.

Her smiled faded a little but remained rigid on her face as she explained her career up until that date.

The man and woman turned to each other with equally wide smiles, nodding.

The man turned back to her. ‘Well, Miss Smith, I think we’re in agreement here. We would like to offer you the position of group manager.’

Katy sat there silently, her mind whirring.

‘Miss Smith?’ prompted the woman.

‘Yes,’ said Katy, her head snapping back up. ‘Thank you so much. This is indeed an incredible opportunity for me.’

They both nodded and smiled.

Katy took a deep breath. ‘But I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline your kind offer.’

They both looked stunned.

‘Excuse me?’ said the man.

‘It’s an amazing opportunity, I know,’ Katy told them, standing up. ‘I’m so grateful for your time and consideration.’

‘I don’t understand,’ said the woman. ‘If it’s a case of a higher salary then everything is up for negotiation.’

Katy shook her head. ‘That’s very kind. But it’s not about the money. I have time for me now and I love it. I don’t want to work weekends and evenings. I want to live. I love my life. And I have found the love of my life too,’ she added, thinking of Ryan. He was her forever love. She couldn’t bear the thought of even spending one day apart from him and had no intention to do so ever again.

As she turned to leave, the man called out after her, ‘Nobody can have it all, Miss Smith.’

She turned back to give him a knowing smile. ‘It turns out that I already do.’