Page 34 of Happiness Under a Summer Skye

Best wishes,

Bella

Angelia’s stomach flipped with giddiness, and she dropped her a text right away to confirm the appointment. She then informed Meghan she would need to take a drive to Glentorrin again. Of course, Meghan jumped at the chance.

The weather was mild but a little overcast as they travelled south on the island in the little yellow Mini Cooper and when they arrived in the village, Bella was waiting outside the shop. Angelia was surprised to discover she was one of the women from the church who had been involved in the dispute over the injured organist and poorly choir manager, or was it the other way around? Anyway, she was the granddaughter of the feisty purple-haired old lady who Angelia had taken an immediate liking to from afar.

Bella smiled brightly as she saw the car coming to a stop. Angelia climbed out and lifted Scrappy to the floor. His tail began to wag excitedly as he saw the potential new friend waiting for them.

‘Bella Donaldson?’ Angelia asked with a smile.

Bella’s face coloured bright pink and she held out her hand. ‘Yes, yes, that’s me. It’s lovely to meet you. I was a little nervous when Ruby mentioned she had given you my details. I’d heard you had connections to Skye but never expected to actually meet you,’ Bella said, her words coming out in a rush. ‘Oh, heck, sorry for rambling, I’m a wee bit starstruck. Me and my husband love your band. We came to see you in Glasgow a few years ago and you were amazing.’

Angelia shook the offered hand and smiled. ‘Ah, thank you. And thanks for meeting me at such short notice.’

Bella waved a dismissive hand. ‘Oh, it’s no bother at all. I’m excited to see inside the old place. It’s fascinated me for a while now.’

‘Well, all I can say is it’s a good thing you’re seeing it after we’ve cleaned up because until now it was a bit grotty,’ Angelia said.

‘Oh, I’ve probably seen worse.’

‘This is Meghan, my assistant,’ Angelia said as she gestured to her and the two women shook hands.

‘And who’s this little cutie?’ Bella asked as she bent to greet the mini schnauzer.

‘This wee nugget is Scrappy. And he will no doubt love you forever if you keep giving him pets. He’s very friendly.’

Meghan took a hold of Scrappy’s lead and Angelia unlocked the wooden outer doors and then the inner ones. She stepped inside followed by Bella, Meghan and, of course, Scrappy.

‘Oh, wow. I can see what you mean about the vision that’s required,’ Bella said with a giggle. ‘It’s certainly a blank canvas. But honestly, the hotel I worked on was far worse.’ She wandered around making notes on an iPad and snapped photos too. ‘Such potential,’ she whispered as she glanced up at the ceiling and let her attention track the whole room. ‘I think this place would make a splendid record shop; it’s got bags of character and people love buildings like this with charm for retail spaces. I can definitely imagine it full of customers. Especially at Christmas.’

Angelia widened her eyes and grinned. ‘I thought of it at Christmas too. I can really imagine it all decked out with twinkling lights and a tree over there in the corner.’

Bella nodded. ‘Oh, absolutely. I’m glad we’re on the same page there.’

Angelia added, ‘And I’d really like to incorporate the old cash register in the design, if possible.’

Bella turned to face her. ‘Well, that goes without saying. It’s a fabulous piece of history and it’d be a shame not to include it.’

They eventually made their way upstairs and Bella made notes about the rooms, their layouts, window positions, and she used a laser tape to take some measurements. Angelia was impressed with how thorough she seemed to be.

‘Now, what I ask all my clients to do is create a sort of mood board filled with colours they like, styles, etcetera, so I can get a feel of the kind of look you’d like to go for. Will you be living here in the flat when you’re not on tour?’ Bella asked.

Angelia hadn’t really thought about living in the place herself… until now, that is. ‘Oh… I’m not really sure. I don’t know when I’m going to be touring again, to be honest, because…’ She stopped herself from saying anything further. After all, she didn’t know Bella and even though she seemed like a nice person, she didn’t want to trauma-dump on someone she had only just met.

Bella held up her hand. ‘Don’t worry, I don’t need to know anything further than who I’m decorating the place for. I can aim for neutrals if that makes it easier, then the resident can add their own artwork to make the place theirs.’

Angelia nodded. ‘Sounds great, thank you.’

A short while later, Angelia waved goodbye to Bella who walked off along the road that led out of the village and Angelia remembered passing the police station on her way in. That must be where she lives, she thought as she recalled Bella’s website mentioning her police inspector husband.

As she locked up the shop, she heard Meghan speaking to someone behind her. Her tone was authoritative and a little stern. ‘Can I help you, sir?’

A little concerned, Angelia turned to see Ferris, and an off-lead black Labrador, walking in their direction. Today he looked a little more priest-like in black trousers and a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. All that was missing was the slip of white from his throat usually worn by people in his role.

Ferris raised his hand in a wave to Angelia. ‘I was just out for a walk with my dog, and I spotted Angelia so I thought I would come and say “hi”,’ he said, pointing behind Meghan.

She held up her hands in a halting gesture. ‘That’s very kind of you but Miss MacAuley isn’t⁠—’