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‘Would you like another coffee?’
She was about to say no and that she’d better be on her way when she realised that actually she didn’t need to be anywhere. There was no deadline and no place to rush to. ‘Yes, please, Cano. That would be nice.’ She enjoyed watching the ebb and flow of the customers who came in and out. A few young mums came in with their babies in pushchairs, and an older couple who stopped to get a loaf. She said hello to some of the people who took a seat at the communal table. Everyone said ‘good morning’ at the very least.
Rob, who ran the local hotel, introduced himself. ‘Pop in for a drink sometime,’ he said.
Amelia wondered if he was being polite as he knew about Edie’s tourist project, then started to realise people were genuine. A woman in her late forties rushed into the café in a whirlwind, speaking loudly into her phone. When she spotted Amelia, she paused her conversation briefly to say hello and introduced herself as Doris, owner of the gin distillery. Amelia thought about mentioning her work background to her at some point. For now, she would take her time getting to know folk. Keeping herself under the radar was probably for the best as her time here might be limited.
She kept expecting her phone to ping with a message from Suna. It was strange that she hadn’t yet replied as she tended to be such a rapid responder. However, she was likely to be in a meeting. Sometimes Amelia had to remind herself how lucky she was not to be in an office routine. Being her own boss and in charge of her own time was certainly liberating. She lingered for a couple of minutes making some notes about the shepherd’s hut, and pencilled out a basic marketing strategy which would help Edie to boost its profile to potential holidaymakers.
She imagined how she would describe it on a postcard.
Nestled by the water overlooking the Holy Isle, this shepherd’s hut is the perfect peaceful escape. Cosy yet stylish with wonderful sea views. The comfiest of beds, a tiny but superb kitchen, a small shower room and a wood-burning stove. It has everything that I need.
When she realised the time, she packed her notepads away and pulled on her coat. Then she went to the counter and bought a loaf of brown, nutty bread.
Cano popped it in a paper bag. ‘Please come again.’
‘I will. Thank you so much. I really enjoyed that.’
He waved and smiled, and Amelia left feeling full, happy and content.
Chapter Twelve
After leaving the café, she stopped by the deli to buy some more provisions. That huge scone had filled her up but she knew she would need to eat later and probably wouldn’t want to come out again. She bought some more salad, fruit and cold meat, and a pint of milk. Then she spotted some locally made chocolate and decided to slip a bar of that into her basket. At least she had regained her appetite, which was something of a surprise. She had been picking at food since Declan left. When she saw the box of mince pies, she was almost tempted to add that to her shopping too. However, it was only the start of November — still plenty of time to indulge in festive treats. The items she’d picked up would keep her going for a few days until she did a proper grocery shop.
She walked back down the high street and towards the beach. Coorie Cottage could also be accessed via the road, but walking on sand was a bit of a novelty, and one she didn’t think she would ever grow tired of. Making her way along the shoreline, she admired the boats bobbing about in the bay and stopped to take yet another photo. She sat down on a bench to admire the view and listen to the gentle sound of the waves. Declan loved sailing and her happy mood dipped as her thoughts turned to him again and how much he would love it here. Or would he?
She reminded herself how scathing he had been when she’d suggested a trip to Arran. He’d claimed it would be far too cold and miserable. She and Declan hadn’t had the kind of relationship where they’d argued. Except when it had come to holidays or weekends away. Amelia loved exploring and didn’t care so much for fancy hotels, whereas Declan insisted on the best and he liked his locations warm. The arrival of their credit card bills reminded her how much they spent on frivolous things when they were supposed to be saving a deposit for their first home together.
‘Penny for them?’ a voice said.
Amelia turned to find Edie and Molly. ‘Oh, hello. I’m admiring the view,’ she said.
‘Do you mind if we join you?’
‘Of course not.’ Amelia slid her bags onto the ground to make more room.
‘How has your morning been?’
‘Lovely, thank you. I met Thea, then Cano at the café . . . Rob and Doris.’
Edie laughed. ‘Sounds like it has been busy.’
‘This is not a bad job at all,’ she said.
The wind had started to whip up and Edie pulled her hat over her ears. ‘It’s getting a bit chilly, isn’t it? Sometimes when the sun is out you forget that we’re getting into winter.’
‘How are you?’
‘I’m fine, thanks, dear,’ she said. ‘Just thought I should take this one out for a walk and I needed to stretch my legs too.’
‘It’s peaceful here.’
She nodded. ‘Yes. This is a good place to come and think and just be.’
Amelia sensed the woman wasn’t her usual cheery self, which seemed to be reflected in her choice of grey clothes. ‘You’re subdued this morning. Is everything okay?’
She didn’t answer immediately and then let a sigh escape. ‘I’ve got a few things on my mind.’
