The men’s faces brightened immeasurably. ‘That’s decent of you,’ said Jason. ‘It sounds like a plan.’
‘It is a stag holiday after all,’ said Rick, as the men climbed into a nearby taxi in an orderly fashion. ‘They messed up but helped put things right. I can’t ask for more than that.’
I slipped an arm around his waist. Gratefully I escaped the hot, sticky air and entered the shop. I wanted to buy presents for my friends in housekeeping at Best Travel, and my neighbour, Mrs Chips. She and her late husband had taken me under their wing when I’d first bought the flat and was still learning to manage on my own and work out how to turn off the water supply or wire a plug. I decided on a selection of spices and jams that the islands were famous for as she loved cooking.
Shopping meant I didn’t have time to find out about changing my ticket home, when we arrived at Beef Island airport, before meeting Margot.
‘I’ll do it after we’ve met her,’ I said. Side by side Rick and I stood behind the barrier at the arrival gate. His hand slid into mine. I looked up and we kissed.
He took off his Indiana Jones hat and placed it on my head. ‘Suits you, Calamity Jane.’
‘I tell you, it felt like a calamity when I first met you, rostering me to clean the toilets.’
‘But I won you around. Clearly the way to a woman’s heart is to give her housework.’
‘Jeez. There’s no trouble in working out why you’re still single.’
We stood laughing.
‘Now I understand the modern phrase to feel like a third wheel.’
‘Gran!’ said Rick.
In front of us stood a slim woman with a slash of red lipstick and iguana green turban, wearing a loose kaftan.
‘Lovely to meet you,’ I said when she reluctantly extracted herself from Rick’s hug.
We paused for a moment and then she leant forwards and embraced me. Margot was taller than I’d expected – taller than me. I loved her floral perfume. I hadn’t been brave enough to wear scent since arriving in case insects considered it an invitation to bite. Her face bore wrinkles but her supple movements could have belonged to a woman half her age.
‘I’ll take your luggage,’ said Rick and reached for her pull along case.
‘I can manage very well, thank you,’ she said sharply and he shot me a smile.
‘Oh well, if you are that capable, you won’t need a coffee to wake you up after such long flights.’
‘Now you are talking nonsense,’ she said and chuckled.
I looked for a coffee shop but instead we headed to an empty row of chairs and sat down. Rick, in the middle, reached into his rucksack and pulled out a flask. He handed me and Margot a cup each, wedged a third in between his legs which I took and held in my other hand, and he poured three drinks.
‘No one makes coffee like Nia. I’ve been craving this for weeks. She uses my favourite brand of Caribbean Mountain Coffee.’ Margot took a sip and sighed.
‘I thought the coffee tasted different when I was up at the house,’ I said.
She took another sip. ‘If beans are roasted too little, the coffee hasn’t got enough flavour. Too much and it tastes smoky. This drink is made from beans that are just spot on.’
‘You are quite a connoisseur,’ I said. ‘Like your rum – I’ve heard about your collection.’
Margot’s eyes crinkled. ‘Yes. I like specialist products. I find if something is niche more love and care has gone into its production. That’s why, the more I’ve thought about it, I love your idea of naming our home Cacao House and us becoming a boutique chocolate-maker.’
She asked me more about the chocolate-making process. Rick waved to a local bar owner he knew well and went over for a chat.
Margot drained her cup and put it on the chair next to her. ‘So, tell me… how long have you and Rick been dating?’
‘What? Oh… um… we’re not…’
She rolled her eyes. ‘Forgive me. I’m in my eighth decade. No doubt I’ve got the terminology wrong. I can’t keep up with all of the terms youngsters use these days…’
‘Me neither,’ I said and we smiled at each other.
‘It’s clear to me you two are more than just friends. When a woman wears a man’s item of clothing—’ she glanced at the hat ‘—it’s her being territorial.’
‘He gave it to me,’ I protested. ‘And Rick and me… it’s not been that long.’
‘Well, I’m pleased. His last relationship didn’t end well.’
‘He explained.’
She patted my knee. ‘Then you must be close. It’s not something he talks about now – not even with me.’
She took out her compact and re-applied her lipstick. I looked over at Rick. He caught my gaze, winked and came back.
Margot stood up. ‘Let’s get going. It’s super to be met by my grandson, but there’s only one real man in my life.’
‘I know my place,’ said Rick. ‘Honestly. Never thought family would put me second to a monkey.’
‘Is he okay?’ she asked. ‘Enjoying meeting the volunteers?’
Rick couldn’t have told her about the stag party’s escapade.
‘He’s fine. And will be glad to see you. He’s become quite attached to Sarah. Having you around will soften the blow when she returns to England.’
‘Talking of which, I almost forgot to enquire about getting my ticket changed,’ I said and rummaged in my handbag. Margot spoke urgently to Rick; I heard her say something about an idea. He expressed surprise first and then what sounded like approval. I turned to go when a hand curled around my elbow.
‘Don’t be silly,’ said Margot. ‘Why would you go back to England when we’re about to offer you a job here?’
40
I gaped. ‘But you haven’t even decided… this business is still in the fledgling stage and—’
‘Let’s get on the boat. I’ll explain as we head over to Seagrass Island. Surely an extra day or two here won’t make too much of a difference whilst you think it over? And if you still want to go back early, I’ll personally pay for a ticket, so that you aren’t out of pocket if it’s too late to change your old one.’
‘Chatty would appreciate any extra time with you,’ said Rick. His whole face had lifted.
‘That’s low.’ I tried to take on a scolding tone but failed. ‘But Margot… I’ve drawn up that five-year plan you talked about. I’m itching to get back to England and put it into action.’
‘My – our – offer isn’t going to hold you back, dear. Right. Rick. Let’s find a taxi. Now tell me about this stag party.’
Rick and I exchanged looks. By the time we’d reached the harbour I realised Margot was a persistent and perceptive person. She’d sensed something was afoot and quickly deducted it was to do with Chatty.
‘They did what?’ she said and stepped onto the boat. Rick carried on her luggage and his gran and I sat near the front, as Rick took his position at the steering wheel. ‘They didn’t realise he’s blind? Why didn’t you tell me about this?’ she said to Rick in a sharp tone, as we slowly pulled away from the jetty. ‘Is Chatty full recovered? Did you call the vet? Is he more shy with the volunteers now? Do you think we should—’
‘This is exactly why I kept it to myself,’ said Rick. ‘I didn’t want to worry you as you lived thousands of miles away. It would be different if you were closer.’
‘I hope so, young man. I’m not made of feathers, you know.’
‘Don’t I know it.’ He groaned. ‘Titanium wings, more like.’
‘So, this job offer, Sarah,’ she said and smiled warmly. ‘It’s the position of hotel manager. Our venture is small – the perfect size for you to start out with. Your ideas so far have been completely on point.’
‘Manager? But I live in England.’
‘I was as surprised at first, when Gran mentioned it to me,’ said Rick, ‘but it makes perfect sense.’
‘How so? I have bills to pay. A flat to maintain for – I mean, with – Amy�
�� and our cat.’
Rick took his eye off the horizon for a second. ‘Only Gran would have the audacity to ask someone to give up their London life!’
Margot snorted. ‘What, give up pollution and noise, the hustle and bustle, for tranquillity, blue seas and sunshine? It wouldn’t be much of a sacrifice.’ She paused. ‘Or would it? What’s your gut reaction, dear?’
‘No one has ever…’ I swallowed. ‘Your confidence in me… it means a lot. I can’t help worrying, though, that it’s misjudged.’
Her face softened. ‘You remind me of myself, you know. I doubted myself a lot when I was younger.’
‘Seymour?’ asked Rick, as he waved to a passing fishing boat.
‘Yes. Husband number one – but only in the numerical sense. I was eighteen. We got married at the end of the first year when I was studying fashion at university. We thought it was wild and exciting. My parents were furious. They’d never liked him – told me he was jealous of my talent.’ She pulled down the sleeves of her colourful kaftan. ‘Turns out they were right. By the end of the second year he never wasted an opportunity to put me down. I learnt quickly not to show him my ideas in their early stages and it killed my creativity for a while. Mum and Dad were brilliant. They gave me the strength to divorce him in my early twenties. It took a while for me to shake off the doubt he’d planted inside of me.’ She took my other hand. ‘Sarah, look at everything you’ve achieved – go-getting. A hard worker. A person with aspirations. Responsible. And, from what my grandson says, not someone to be messed with.’
‘I never said anything like that,’ he protested and glared at his gran.
She grinned. For all her sharp edges and feistiness, Margot was a very jovial person. ‘It’s because of all those reasons that I see myself in you.’
‘But you’ve got so much business know-how, Margot. Why do you need me?’
‘I know nothing about hotels. You’re the expert. That goes for your computer skills as well. Plus you are someone I can trust.’
‘Gran’s an excellent judge of character,’ said Rick. ‘Granddad told her not to employ Nia and Brandon all those years ago – he didn’t feel they had enough experience in housekeeping. She certainly proved him wrong.’
‘A gut’s a great thing. One should always follow it. Not your heart – or at least when it comes to business,’ she said. ‘It will be a challenge. Bringing in bookings will be the number one priority. I imagine looking after the guests, once they are here, will be easy compared to that.’
‘Never assume anything,’ I said and laughed. ‘I once had a male guest ring down to reception on his mobile phone – Best Travel doesn’t have room service. He said there was a problem with the television and the kettle. He wasn’t happy and wanted to see the assistant manager or manager about it. In retrospect he knew we were both women. When he answered the door, the man was wearing nothing but a smile.’
‘Goodness me!’ Margot’s jaw dropped.
‘Then there was the hen party that came back drunk. They congregated in one room and played Truth or Dare until the early hours, despite several warnings. The man next door to them eventually knocked and complained. The woman who answered was dared to kiss him by her friends. He was furious and almost got her charged with sexual assault. His wife was even more angry and threw a punch.’
‘See. You’ve got the knowledge I need. Clearly I have a naive idea of the hotel industry.’
‘Still sure you want to go ahead?’
‘There must be pleasant guests as well!’
‘Yes. One regular knits egg cosies. She brings me a different one each time she stays. And many guests always leave their room as tidy as they found it. They’re polite. Grateful for any assistance and take the time to give us good reviews online.’ I bit my lip. ‘On the one hand I feel excited about your offer – seeing the chocolate production through, for example. And looking after guests on a much more personal level than I’ve been able to at Best Travel…’
‘I sense a but…’ she said.
‘Amy. Our flat.’ I shrugged. ‘I can’t just drop the life I have. And there’s the salary. I know Crocker & Crowley is struggling but I’d at least need what I earned at Best Travel to pay the mortgage, building insurance, council tax… It’s our home. I wouldn’t sell up – certainly not until Amy and I saw how things panned out for both of us.’
‘I’ve thought about that,’ said Margot. ‘Done my own research. Looked at the figures. I was flabbergasted at how much other Virgin Island hotels charge. Like you say, I agree, if done properly, this venture could soon rake in thousands. And once the shoe company has reduced its number of stores… and as Seagrass Conservation continues to expand…’
Rick looked more relaxed than I’d ever seen him.
‘We’d be short-sighted not to invest some of that money into a decent salary for you. My first rule of business – you have to put in, to get out. You’ve already shown me just how hard-working and innovative you are.’
I pictured myself living alongside Rick. And Margot. Nia and Brandon. And, of course, Chatty. Golden sunrises instead of London smog. A morning dip in the sea instead of a musty commute.
Margot let go of my hands. ‘You must make your own decision, my dear. I’m here for any questions. I’ll support whatever you decide.’
She leant forward and gave me a hug. Her embrace reminded me of Mum. It felt comforting, being so close to a person who genuinely appeared to care. A person I really seemed to click with. Someone who could advise me and offer life experience.
I had no parental figures. Prue was purely professional. The neighbours were friendly but had their own children.
I’d managed. I’d had to. There were plenty of people worse off.
But now and then I cried at night, wishing there was someone I could ring who would tell me everything would be all right. Of course, after the last few weeks I realised that person, now, could also be Amy.
I stood up by Rick’s side and watched as Seagrass Island became closer. He kissed the top of my head. Margot began humming.
The three of us on this boat.
It was almost as if I were part of a happy family.
I relished a sense of… of belonging.
As we stepped off the boat Amy and Jackie came into view. Margot disembarked, keen to cuddle her favourite monkey. She neared Jackie and as soon as Margot spoke his name, Chatty reached out and moved onto her shoulder. Amy gave me a hug and introduced herself to Rick’s gran. Without thinking about Chatty, I whistled Mum’s favourite song. He stopped moving and turned his head in my direction. With a surprised look, Margot beckoned me closer. I reached out my arm and Chatty clambered across. His tail wrapped around my neck and he began grooming my hair.
‘It seems to me you belong here, Sarah,’ said Margot.
There was that unfamiliar word again.
‘Now that would be funny…’ said Amy and she laughed. ‘If me swapping a holiday resulted in my sister swapping her whole life. I guess it would serve me right though – losing my best buddy. I’d end up a sad crazy cat lady, living alone with Nelly.’
41
‘What was that all about? The looks Rick and Margot exchanged,’ Amy said as we walked up to the house, Chatty batting my ear.
What could I say? It’s actually me who’s considering moving out – not only of our home, but our home country as well.
‘When I talked about living on my own I sensed… I don’t know. Have I somehow put my foot in it? Don’t tell me Margot lives back in England with a load of cats.’
‘Not as far as I know.’
Jackie, Rick and his gran overtook us. I heard a piano and harmonica. Chatty stopped playing with my ear for a second.
‘Nia and Brandon thought a small welcoming party might be nice,’ said Amy. ‘So stop slowing down, sis. Let’s get ourselves a rum cocktail. Nia’s baked the tastiest looking peach cobbler muffins and mini banana fritters and—’
‘Margot’s offered me a job.’<
br />
Amy stopped in her tracks. We stood under the shade of a palm tree.
‘With Crocker & Crowley? In retail? But what about your luxury hotel plans?’ Her face turned serious. ‘Well done, that’s really great, but just because you’ve lost your job don’t rush into something you’ll regret. We can use some of my lottery money, for a while, to—’
‘No. Here on Seagrass Island…’
Amy’s eyes widened.
‘… As manager of the new luxury complex. She really thinks her family should give my idea a good go. I’ve got the experience they need. I’d be in charge of the website as well and…’ My excitement fluttered through the air like the butterflies in my stomach that became apparent every time I thought about Margot’s offer. Just imagine, me starting this business from scratch? But I couldn’t do it to Amy. What if she fell ill or suffered a broken heart or… We had no close relatives – there was no one else for her to turn to, back in England. ‘It’s ridiculous, right? Come on. Those cocktails sound good. It’ll probably be my last shot of rum for a while.’
Amy didn’t move.
‘What?’
Chatty squeaked as if to echo my question.
‘I recognise that tone,’ she said. ‘It’s the one you use if I suggest a film at the cinema that I’m desperate to see and you don’t want to but pretend you do.’ She stared at me. ‘So… you moving to Seagrass Island… living here with Rick…’
‘That wouldn’t be the reason,’ I said firmly. ‘It would be a bonus but taking Margot up on her offer would be about me and my future.’
‘So you are thinking about it.’
We stood in silence for a few moments.
‘Yes. No. Of course not.’
Amy exhaled and paced up and down.
‘You and I, we’re a team, Amy. Us together forever. That’s the way it’s always been and always will be. And Nelly is a fantastic cat but she couldn’t argue with you about which Netflix series is best or…’
Amy stopped walking around and faced me. ‘I think you should do it.’ She folded her arms. ‘I was joking back there, about cats and me going crazy. You’ll never get another opportunity like this. To set up a luxury hotel from its very beginning – how would you get on board a project like that in London, with no direct experience? And if you aren’t happy living on Seagrass Island eventually, just think what your input here will look like on your CV back in England. It will really set you up to get a high-end job anywhere in the country.’
The Summer Island Swap Page 27
