The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings: A gorgeously feel-good and heart-warming romance to escape with

by Donna Ashcroft

  Feeling guilty, Connor jerked his head and took another bite of pie so he didn’t have to answer.

  ‘She’s worried about her job and now I’m worried too. I didn’t come home to be a burden. I was expecting to work – but without any guests there’s not much I can do.’ Madison shrugged before eating another small forkful. ‘And no one is going to tell me I’m in the way, they’re too afraid of hurting my feelings…’ She paused. ‘Aside from you. But if I can’t help out, then I’m just another mouth to feed and it won’t be long before Amy and Dee, or my aunt and uncle, start to resent it. And I couldn’t bear that, not here.’ She stopped talking and stared at her plate for a few moments.

  ‘So it’s work at The Hideaway, or leave – you can’t think of any alternatives?’ Connor asked, incredulous.

  ‘I can go on another trip. There’s a mindfulness course in India I’ve thought about, or I have a… friend in Amsterdam who’d like to catch up, so there are other options.’

  ‘When I said alternatives, I wasn’t suggesting leaving. I mean, what about finding another job on Sunflower Island?’

  Madison looked taken aback. ‘With you? I thought you didn’t need any help with choosing the paint yet?’

  ‘No.’ God, no. He didn’t want Madison around him all the time, messing with his feelings, distracting him. Connor looked at the uneaten banana on his plate. Definitely not. ‘Not with me. I’m not looking for more staff, but I’ve heard on the grapevine – actually Jesse heard – Lake Lodge is hiring. Perhaps you could do something there?’ When Madison frowned he added, ‘Depends on how much you want to stay.’

  ‘A lot. But won’t that be a bit like consorting with the enemy?’

  ‘It’s a job, Madison,’ Connor said firmly. ‘Besides, you could think of yourself as a spy. Steal all their secrets, and implement them at The Hideaway.’

  ‘Oh, I like that.’ Madison’s face brightened and Connor instantly regretted the joke. He didn’t want her thinking she could save the place. Her aunt and uncle were already talking to people about selling – with Sandy’s health problems and dropping guest numbers they didn’t have the money or energy to do anything else.

  ‘You could go now? Lake Lodge is near the builder’s yard, I can drop you on my way,’ Connor suggested, keen for the conversation to be over. He didn’t like lying – to himself or anyone else.

  ‘I’m not really dressed for an interview.’ Madison glanced down at her outfit. ‘But I guess I could pop in and ask if they’re hiring. Pick up an application form. I don’t even have a CV.’

  ‘So write one. I’m sure you can think of something to put in it…’

  ‘Has travelled, is game for anything.’ Madison gave Connor a wry smile. ‘I guess. Thanks. When Dee gave me a lift into town this morning, I didn’t have the heart to tell her I was planning on leaving, and now there might be a chance I can stay. Thanks to you.’

  Connor avoided her eyes, unsure whether he’d just created a whole host of problems for himself. If Madison stayed, she’d find out The Hideaway was for sale and perhaps that he’d known all along. ‘You’ve got to get a job first,’ he answered gruffly, looking at his plate. ‘Do I have to eat this banana?’ He quickly changed the subject.

  ‘Yes.’ Madison’s laughter rang through the bakery, a light tinkle that lifted the whole atmosphere. ‘And someday soon, I’ll get you to try the dragon pose. We’re friends now, Connor Robertson. I’ve got an awful lot to thank you for.’

  ‘Don’t mention it,’ Connor said, his feelings mixed as he eyed the banana suspiciously. Wondering what Madison would say once she discovered he’d been keeping secrets from her all along.

  Nine

  Connor pulled off his jacket as he arrived home from the builder’s yard and dropped it over a chair in the kitchen. There was a hook in the hall, but out of some sense of rebellion, or perhaps because – even after eighteen months – he was still laying claim to this space, he couldn’t bring himself to use it. Besides, while it was petty and beneath him, Connor knew the simple act would have driven his father crazy.

  In the sitting room, through the hall to the left of the kitchen, Connor heard the low hum of the TV and headed for it. It was after nine in the morning, the blinds were still shut and the room smelled faintly of beer. Connor yawned and opened the shutters, letting in some of the dull light from outside. It had been an early start and a busy morning lugging the supplies he’d bought in the builder’s yard to his truck, not to mention breakfast with Madison. He already needed another shower and really wasn’t in the mood for this.

  He headed for the oak coffee table that sat parallel to the dark leather sofa he’d shipped from his rented flat in town when he’d moved home to care for his father two years before. The table was filled with bottles of beer, all of them empty, and on the sofa a young man snored.

  ‘Jesse.’ Connor gave his new lodger-stroke-employee a gentle poke, eliciting a grunt and then a long groan. ‘I’m guessing you didn’t make it to bed.’ He didn’t wait for an answer. Instead he picked up the bottles and headed for the kitchen, tossing them into the recycling. He returned with a glass of water, wondering what the hell had got into him. He wasn’t usually one for missions of mercy, and the boy deserved the stinking hangover he no doubt had.

  ‘You’re supposed to be at The Hideaway,’ Connor said mildly, sinking into a leather armchair – the only other seat in the room – and rolling his shoulders, trying to ease out some of the knots. Jaws came to sit beside him, and they both stared at Jesse as he pulled himself into a sitting position and sipped from the glass of water.

  Jesse’s eyes were bleary and he still wore his clothes from the day before. ‘I’m sorry,’ he muttered, his voice hoarse. ‘I had too much time to think on my day off. I saw Amy in The Moon and Mermaid last night and guess I got caught up.’ Jesse frowned at the coffee table, probably looking for his empties.

  Connor searched for the words Jesse probably needed to hear and failed miserably. ‘I saw how many bottles you got caught up with and I’ve got to say, that’s a lonely path. It’ll be lonelier still if you don’t get to work on time again because I’ll sack you. You should have been at The Hideaway at 6 a.m. so you owe me three hours. More if you’ve not sobered up.’

  ‘I’m sober.’ Jesse blinked, looking like he was going to be sick. ‘And I’m sorry. I just… needed to forget for a while. It won’t happen again.’

  ‘Sorry won’t make it better,’ Connor said, instantly wanting to bite the words back, because he’d heard the exact same ones from his father’s mouth about a million times. He ran a hand through his hair, feeling every one of his twenty-six years. Jesse might be only three years his junior, but there could have been a couple of lifetimes between them. ‘I know you miss her,’ he added, because he couldn’t think of anything else to say.

  ‘I feel like I’ve had a limb removed. I’ve messed up, lost her. I can’t get Amy out of my head and I don’t know how to make everything better,’ Jesse began, his brown eyes sad. ‘It doesn’t seem to matter how many times I say I’m sorry for whatever I did, she won’t listen to me.’

  ‘Have you tried flowers?’ Connor suggested, glancing towards the door for a way out of this conversation, even though he knew he wouldn’t leave Jesse in this state.

  ‘Amy likes tulips.’ Jesse’s face dropped. ‘And I tried that last week. She always filled our house with flowers. I never realised how much colour she brought into my life.’ He shook his head. ‘I don’t care about anything when she’s not with me. Even the car means nothing without her.’

  Connor nodded, even though he had no idea what the hell Jesse was talking about. ‘Then bury it and move on. Throw yourself into work. Stay busy, because then it’s easier not to feel anything.’

  Jesse frowned. ‘Sounds like a miserable way to live.’

  Connor rose from the chair. This was why he never gave advice. He didn’t understand people, even the ones he cared about. ‘Beats drinking yourself into oblivi
on.’ Connor’s dad had tried it so he had first-hand knowledge it didn’t work. ‘Besides, work hard enough and for long enough and you’ll build something worth having. Maybe that’s the best way to win Amy back? Success, money – isn’t that what everyone wants in the end?’

  ‘It’s not about money.’ Jesse glared at the table, perhaps hoping a full bottle of beer would magically materialise. ‘But you’re right. This isn’t the way to make myself feel better. I’ll shower, get dressed and take a walk to the cellar.’

  ‘Eat something first. I’ll wait for –’ Connor checked his watch – ‘fifteen minutes. If you’re ready by then I’ll give you a lift and you’ll get there quicker. Otherwise you’ll be owing me even more hours.’

  ‘I’ll be quick, and thanks.’ Jesse dragged himself up from the sofa before heading towards the door. ‘I know you’re not one for heart-to-hearts, but that helped.’

  ‘Just don’t make me do it again,’ Connor muttered. It had been a long morning of advice for him and he was already exhausted. His mind wandered briefly to Madison, wondering how she’d got on at Lake Lodge, before he shook himself and nodded to Jaws. He really didn’t have time to worry about other people’s problems today. He needed to get his own life on track.

  Ten

  Lake Lodge was huge and impressive. Madison stepped onto the dark blue carpet in the entrance foyer and looked around the reception area. There was a long white counter at the front, complete with a computer and a couple of efficient-looking suited women. To either side were blue and white tables and chairs strategically placed for guests, which looked stylish and uncomfortable. Flicking her eyes forwards and running a hand over her no doubt very untidy hair, Madison marched forwards, putting on a brave face. She’d spent her life meeting new people, usually taking it all in her stride, but somehow this felt different. Perhaps because so much was riding on her getting a job?

  ‘Good morning.’ One of the women behind the counter looked up from the computer and flashed a professional smile as Madison approached. Her hair was short and brown, styled in wispy curls that framed her face. ‘Are you here to check in?’

  ‘I wish,’ Madison answered, looking around. ‘I love your hair,’ she added.

  The woman touched her fringe. ‘Thank you. I had it cut yesterday… Can I help?’

  Madison flashed her friendliest smile. ‘I’m looking for a job – are there any going here?’

  The woman smiled, still fiddling with her hair. ‘There might be some vacancies in housekeeping. If you take a seat, I’ll check.’ She pointed to the chairs to the right of the desk as the phone rang and she picked it up.

  Madison wandered towards the seating area and took the first chair she got to, facing outwards towards the entrance. She looked around. There were a few people milling around and you could tell the place was busy. Madison sighed. The Hideaway had a lot to offer, but would it be enough? Next to this gleaming and polished reception area, would everything look shabby and old? Feeling disheartened, Madison stood and wandered towards the enormous glass windows that looked out over the Lodge’s car park, which was filled with about a hundred multicoloured cars. A long road, which Madison knew led to the port and the town centre, wound from the car park into a dense forest of trees. To the left, a blue lake framed with pine trees glistened in the winter sunshine, while a couple of boats bobbed on the surface. As she watched them, someone cleared their throat.

  ‘Madison?’

  She turned. Stanley Banks was sitting cross-legged at one of the tables. He wore dark glasses and a fake moustache that was darker than his hair. He glanced at the other tables to make sure no one was watching, before motioning at Madison to join him.

  ‘Oh,’ she gasped, taken aback. ‘Are you thinking of leaving us?’ She was dismayed – if they lost their only guest there really was no hope for The Hideaway. Even if she got a job at Lake Lodge, there would be nothing for Dee or Amy to do – which meant her home and adopted family would soon fall apart.

  ‘Certainly not.’ Stanley laughed, pointing again at the chair opposite, which Madison swiftly took. ‘I’m probably here for the same reason as you. I’m scoping the place out, seeing what’s on offer.’ He lifted his glasses and glanced at his open laptop, which sat on the table between them. ‘I’ve been up most of the night researching. If we want to work out what The Hideaway needs, we have to see what the enemy is offering.’ He leaned forwards and whispered, ‘The coffee’s good and so are the pastries, but they’re not a patch on Dee’s – and I’m not just saying that. I used to travel a lot when I had my consulting business, so I’m a bit of a connoisseur.’

  ‘Did you learn anything else?’ Madison leaned in too.

  ‘They’re efficient and the place is clean. They have a decent pool, excellent gym and offer beauty treatments and massages. But these seats are bloody uncomfortable.’

  Madison chuckled, shifting in hers. ‘They really are.’ A group of four people walked into the entrance and headed towards reception. ‘That doesn’t seem to be putting anyone off.’

  ‘They do special weekend offers so I wondered about you doing the same at The Hideaway,’ Stanley suggested. ‘The place needs a lick of paint but your aunt and uncle are dealing with it. Young Connor is fixing up the cafe and he’s already said he’s going to repaint the bedrooms.’ He looked thoughtful. ‘We just need a hook, an angle, a reason for people to come. I’ve had a few ideas and you’re an important part of them.’

  ‘I am?’ Madison asked, feeling excited. She wasn’t used to being central to anyone’s plans.

  Stanley nodded. ‘Yoga. You teach?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘And you’re qualified?’

  ‘And insured – I keep it up to date, just in case. It’s a good way to earn extra cash if I need it.’

  Stanley tapped something into his laptop and twisted it around. ‘It’s the latest thing. Yoga and walking retreats. A yoga lesson in the morning, a walk in the afternoon. We could get the cafe open as well, to pull in daytime visitors – do a Grand Opening to attract lots of local PR. With Dee’s incredible food and the Skylars’ hospitality, we could be onto a winner.’

  ‘I love the idea of a Grand Opening for the cafe. That could work. Let’s have a chat with Amy and Dee later and start planning. As for the yoga…’ Madison looked at Stanley’s laptop screen and scrolled through some of the pictures. There were immaculate studios and professional-looking teachers. Could they compete? ‘Where would I run the lessons? There’s not an obvious space.’

  ‘I’ve an idea about that. Your aunt has an office she rarely uses, beyond the house. It’s got beautiful views over the fields. I know because I’ve walked around it a couple of times. It’s almost empty. We could move the furniture and paperwork out. Maybe get Connor to help with some decorating. The floor is carpeted and the place looks clean. You’d just need some yoga mats and I guess that would be that – unless there’s other equipment you think is important?’ Stanley asked.

  ‘No.’ Madison shook her head, considering. ‘I can pick up the mats – I’m guessing we won’t need loads. We could fit probably six there for a class – and if we got too busy I could run two sessions. What about the walks?’

  Stanley chuckled. ‘You’ve got legs and I’m guessing you knew your way around the place when you lived here?’

  ‘I can follow a map on my phone.’ If it meant Madison could help save The Hideaway and stay, she’d be up for anything. ‘But how will we get the guests in? I don’t think there’s money for advertising. I’ve got a little saved, but I’ll need some for the mats, and paying my way.’

  ‘I can make a leaflet on this.’ Stanley tapped a finger on his laptop. ‘And Amy has a printer. We can give a few to the tourist information office in town. I’ll update the website, maybe mail existing customers if we have their permission. It won’t cost much – I’m happy to give my time for free. I’m guessing you know a few people on Sunflower Island you could mention it to?’

  Madison
nodded. She was good at making friends. An afternoon walking the streets, handing out leaflets, would probably drum up some business.

  Suddenly someone touched her on the shoulder, and Madison turned as the receptionist waved a piece of paper in front of her nose. ‘Thank you for waiting. We have vacancies in housekeeping. Here’s an application form. You can fill it in now, or bring it back later. Good luck.’ The woman squeezed Madison’s shoulder. ‘Can I get you anything else, sir?’ She turned to Stanley with a warm smile.

  ‘I’m good, thank you.’ He grinned back, stroking his moustache. ‘I think we’re about done.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Madison took the piece of paper. She wasn’t planning on using it, but it was worth keeping her options open just in case they needed to do more research. After her conversation with Connor, she was determined to stay on Sunflower Island and do everything she could to help save The Hideaway.

  Eleven

  Madison wandered through the small guesthouse that doubled as her aunt’s office, pacing the floor. There was more furniture to lose than she’d anticipated, but they could probably find a spot in one of the upstairs rooms of the two-storey building. There was a little space in the bedroom – failing that, a few bits could be moved to the sitting room in The Hideaway.

  Madison studied the large oak desk piled high with papers, the big leather chair and three tall bookshelves packed with leather-bound books. There were pictures of her, Aunt Sandy and Uncle Jack everywhere. On the bookshelves, the desk, even piled on the floor along with four of her aunt’s favourite lavender hand creams. She’d checked the bathroom, which only required a quick wipe around, and the carpet needed a hoover. The big mirror almost covering the wall on the right of the room would be perfect for her classes to watch themselves in.