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‘She’s just got some business to attend to over on the mainland,’ she said. ‘I’m on dog-sitting duty.’
‘And how are you doing?’ His voice was kind and he paused before asking, ‘Any more man trouble?’
She laughed. ‘I’m good, thanks, and fortunately no, not at the moment.’
‘That is good.’
‘And how’s your daughter?’ she asked.
‘Oh, she is well, getting very ready to have the baby though.’
She pondered for a moment, gazing out at a bobbing boat in the bay. ‘Cano, I thought . . . well, would it help you . . . if I helped in the café when Naza has to go to the mainland?’ There, she had managed to say it. When he didn’t respond immediately, she started to shuffle uncomfortably in her seat. Had she offended him? Or said something she shouldn’t?
Cano looked down at her. ‘Oh, Amelia. I don’t know what to say . . . that is so very kind of you. I am quite overwhelmed. I had been wondering what to do. It can be a struggle to recruit staff, especially at this time of year when we’re out of season.’
‘I would be delighted to help you,’ she said. ‘You’ve been so kind to me since I got here and, well, I would like to repay the favour.’
‘Amelia, wait until I tell Naza, she will be thrilled. I know she’s been worried about leaving me. Though I can’t think why. She must think that things will collapse without her.’ He raised an eyebrow and smiled. ‘Though that is quite a possibility.’
Her dilemma as to whether or not she should offer now became irrelevant — she was so glad that she had been bold and taken a leap of faith.
‘Are you sure, though? We do pay the National Living Wage and there will be tips too.’
She nodded. ‘Absolutely, Cano. It would be my pleasure.’ She didn’t want to admit to him that she would have worked for free for him as he had done so much to welcome her when she’d needed it most.
He placed a hand on her shoulder. ‘Thank you. Now let me make you another coffee,’ he said, noticing she had drained her cup already. ‘On the house.’
Amelia laughed. ‘See how much I needed your coffee this morning! I drank it in seconds.’
Cano went back inside and Amelia quickly looked at her phone to check for news from Fergus. She sent a brief message.
Thinking of you and hope all is okay? X
Her phone beeped seconds later.
Yes, here safely and at the hospital. I’ve just taken her to the ward where her sister is. Fingers crossed . . .
Amelia really hoped Edie would manage to work things out with Christine. She couldn’t even begin to imagine how she was feeling or the millions of thoughts that must be racing through her head.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Edie gave Fergus a wave and turned to speak to the nurse who had come to greet her. She told them she was Christine’s sister and the nurse ushered her through. ‘She’s been waiting for you . . . you’re the only person she talks about.’
Edie felt another twinge of guilt. Christine didn’t have anyone else. Just Edie.
The nurse gently touched her arm. ‘She’s just through here.’ She pointed to a room at the end of the corridor. ‘And just to let you know, she’s quite frail. I’m not sure when you saw her last?’
Edie didn’t reply. She nodded and walked towards the door, bracing herself as she walked into the bright and warm room. She was surprised to see Christine sitting up in the bed against the pillows, her head turned to look out the window.
‘Christine?’
She slowly moved her head round and a small smile spread across her face when she realised it was Edie.
Edie moved towards the bed and sat down on the chair next to it, trying to disguise her shock at how fragile Christine looked.
‘You came,’ she whispered.
Edie reached for her hand, feeling her sister weakly try to squeeze it.
