The Lake House Read online

  ‘You’ll be the first to know,’ reassured Callie. ‘And while you’ve been out I’ve rustled us up a packed lunch. The Boathouse is open, and I thought we could mosey on down, have a mess about on the river before the weather changes. Then we could catch the boat over to The Lakehouse to pick up your uniform, and you can have a look around. You’re going to love it there. Hopefully Flynn will be there, so you can say hello.’

  ‘Sounds like a perfect plan to me,’ replied Ella. Even though she felt a little nervous, Ella couldn’t wait to meet Flynn in person.

  ‘We can pick up your rota too. It’s going to be good working together,’ insisted Callie.

  ‘Will I be working every day?’ asked Ella, thinking about the money.

  ‘Luckily for you, I’m in charge of the rota.’

  ‘Do I need to call you Boss?’

  ‘Absolutely you do.’ Callie grinned. ‘Nah, only joking!’

  ‘I’ll just change my shoes. I feel like a comfy trainer day.’ Ella was just about to make a move when her phone pinged.

  ‘My latest credit card statement is ready to view online… the joy.’ Ella didn’t dare to even look. Since discovering that Alex had maxed out the cards, she’d paid off six minimum payments, leaving her completely stony-broke each month. It made Ella anxious just thinking about it, but trying to focus on what was good in her life was helping. She had Callie and a job and was staying in a beautiful place which was good for her mind and soul.

  ‘What you need to do is win the lottery and life will become simple.’ Callie pointed her finger at Ella. ‘You have to be in it to win it!’

  ‘I can’t even afford a ticket.’ Ella rolled her eyes and Callie chuckled.

  ‘I was in the same boat when I turned up here – not with the same amount of debt, but I was lucky Julia owned the B&B and didn’t charge me anything until I’d sorted out my finances. We all help each other whenever we can.’

  ‘And now we’re both in the same boat,’ added Ella with a smile, ‘the one that takes us over the river to The Lakehouse each day.’

  ‘And you might know the captain of that boat.’ Callie tipped her a wink.

  ‘Huh? What do you mean?’ asked Ella.

  But Callie deflected the conversation and pointed to the balcony. ‘Listen!’

  The sound of Dolores’ voice filtered up from the balcony below. She was pitch perfect and Ella couldn’t help but think that she had an amazing recording voice. Dolores was belting out the song like she didn’t have a care in the world. ‘I wish I could sing like that – I’m tone deaf,’ shared Ella.

  ‘I know! I remember when you attempted karaoke in the uni bar, everyone thought you were joking around until we realised you couldn’t actually sing,’ teased Callie.

  Ella placed her hands on her heart, pretending to be hurt, then giggled. ‘However, Dolores really can sing. She’s a very colourful character.’ Ella admired how a woman in her nineties still oozed star appeal, glitz and glamour. She hoped she lived life to the max in her later years, just like Dolores.

  Ella took another swift look over the balcony. Dolores had now sat down at the bistro table, and in front of her was the slice of Victoria sponge looking scrumptious on a china plate. McCartney was stretched out by her feet, most probably still with a full belly after stumbling across the bag of sausages. Dolores was tilting her head from side to side and talking to Fred like she was expecting him to answer. Fred hopped on to the swing and suddenly began chirping.

  ‘She’s like a bird whisperer,’ claimed Ella.

  They admired how Dolores was dressed to impress. Her top was a multitude of bright colours worn with a pair of leggings, accompanied by a large buckled belt pulled in tight to reveal her tiny waist. On top of her long blonde curls rested a pair of oversized black sunglasses and on her feet she still wore her kitten slippers. There was no doubt Dolores was still living her best life.

  ‘I wouldn’t say Hamish takes after his mother,’ said Ella, making an observation.

  ‘Not in his dress sense, but he’s also very much down to earth, kind and considerate.’

  Ella took another quick look over the balcony. Dolores had finished her cake and her arms now rested on her stomach, as she listened to a play on the radio.

  ‘And how are you feeling about your new life so far?’

  Ella felt a stirring in her own stomach, and realised it was a sense of relief. This was a new start for her in Heartcross. ‘I’m feeling good. Don’t get me wrong – even after six months, I still look for him in every street I walk down, but that crook is long gone… with my money.’ Ella sighed, before continuing. ‘However, I agreed that I’m not giving him any more head space. It’s time to get on with my life,’ she announced with vigour. Jumping up, she grabbed her trainers from the side of the sofa. ‘Come on, let’s explore!’ Ella couldn’t wait to see the rest of Heartcross and her brand-new place of work. She shot Callie her biggest grin and packed a picnic inside her rucksack.

  ‘Alright, eager beaver, Heartcross will still be there in five minutes, you know.’

  ‘I don’t want to waste another second.’

  As soon as Callie had her shoes on, Ella slung the backpack over her shoulders and linked arms with her.

  ‘Honestly, you’re like a little kid,’ chuckled Callie, locking the door behind her and walking down the stairwell.

  ‘No wonder – this is the first day of the rest of my life,’ declared Ella. ‘This is our time to shine and laugh again. We’re going to be good for each other.’ But even though Ella was trying with all of her might to be positive, there was still the constant worry of paying off all of her debts.

  ‘Too right,’ replied Callie, squeezing her arm. ‘Heartcross, we are coming to get you!’

  Chapter Four

  Later that day, with their stomachs full from their delicious picnic, Ella and Callie walked towards Flynn Carter’s water taxis. They’d had fun on the paddleboards, but as the afternoon sun was fading, the weather was beginning to cool.

  ‘That was fun, I bet this place is packed out in the height of summer,’ said Ella, walking on to the wooden jetty and spotting the bright-yellow water taxi bobbing in the water with its engine humming away. There wasn’t another soul in sight as they stepped on board.

  Callie called out, ‘Is there anyone there?’

  Ella looked around and guessed the boat could take approximately fifty passengers. There was a tiny bar on board, a toilet and a sound system.

  ‘It’ll get a bit chilly on here in winter,’ said Ella, thinking out loud, ‘especially coming back from work on the late shift.’

  ‘This is the summer boat. Flynn has winter boats too, fully enclosed, heating… all mod cons. Julia was telling me that they’re planning to run boat tours too, narrated excursions, and apparently a tour of the historical places around here, as well as seeking out the mansions of the rich and famous that line the waterways. But the ones I’m interested in the most are the Christmas booze cruise along the river for the adults, and Santa’s boat ride for the kids.’

  ‘Flynn’s definitely got it all worked out, hasn’t he? Boats for every season.’

  They heard a bang below deck and then the door opened. ‘You!’ exclaimed Ella, recognising Roman, who she’d nearly knocked off his bike earlier that day.

  A wide grin spread over Roman’s face. ‘Well, if it isn’t the woman with the dog that steals sausages.’ He shut the door behind him and stepped on to the deck.

  Ella got her second proper look at him that day. He had a very elegant look; his Stirling-blue eyes matched the colour of his uniform and he tipped his sailor’s cap towards her. Roman’s eyes flashed instant warmth.

  Ella heartily shook his hand and couldn’t help noticing that he was staring at her. ‘Pleased to meet you, again.’

  ‘Likewise.’ Roman didn’t take his eyes off her.

  Ella turned and narrowed her eyes at Callie, who was grinning. ‘When I mentioned Roman, why didn’t you tell me he was
the Captain of the boat?’

  ‘I thought you’d find out soon enough.’

  ‘And where are you from, with an accent like that?’ asked Roman, leading the way to the front of the boat.

  ‘Cheshire,’ replied Ella.

  ‘Wow! You’ve come mighty far for a ride on my vessel.’

  Callie burst into fits of laughter. ‘Maybe you need to rephrase that.’

  Roman looked completely at ease walking along the deck towards the front of the boat, whereas Ella let out a tiny squeal and grabbed on to the seats at the side of her. Roman looked back in Ella’s direction. ‘Here, let me help you.’ He grabbed her hand and caught her eye. Her whole body tingled at his touch, as she felt her pulse quicken and goose bumps rise to the surface of her skin. He led her to the seats just behind the wheel. ‘It gets a little rocky at times, but thankfully the waters aren’t that choppy today. The weather is in that in-between stage at the minute. Are you okay now?’

  Ella sat down on the seat. ‘Yes, thank you.’

  ‘Where are we off to, ladies?’ asked Roman, taking his place behind the wheel. He snagged a glance towards the jetty. ‘It looks like you are my only passengers, so the world is your oyster. I can drop you at the bridge and it’s just a short walk to Primrose Park, or you can enjoy an afternoon at the art galleries over at Glensheil – your wish is my command.’

  ‘Over to The Lakehouse, please Roman. We need to pick up Ella’s uniform.’

  ‘Uniform? You’re working at The Lakehouse?’ Roman looked rather pleased as he started the engine.

  ‘I am, my first shift is on Monday.’

  ‘Great! I’ll look forward to transporting you across the waters each day. It’s my job to get you there and back safely every shift, and I’ll have you know I take my job very seriously.’

  ‘Glad to hear it,’ replied Ella, wondering if they were actually flirting just a little.

  ‘Sit back and enjoy the view,’ he continued, in a professional manner but with a smile to die for. Roman began to steer the boat slowly away from the jetty, then as soon as they were in open water, he began to pick up speed.

  With the wind in her hair, Ella took in her surroundings. ‘This is just amazing. Look at this place!’

  ‘It’s something else, isn’t it?’ said Roman, looking over his shoulder. ‘Are you staying in Heartcross or across the water at Glensheil?’ he asked, his eyes fixed firmly back on the water ahead.

  ‘I’m in Heartcross, staying with Callie… Just for six months initially, unless she has enough of me.’

  ‘Why only six months?’ He looked over his shoulder at her.

  ‘I’m in between jobs at the moment, taking each day as it comes,’ she replied, not giving much away.

  ‘I know that feeling,’ replied Roman, causing Ella to wonder what his story might be. ‘This is the best place to get your life back on track, and I can confirm the rumour about this place. Once you arrive, no one ever wants to leave. That’s you here for a long time.’ He looked back over his shoulder at her again and smiled.

  ‘Maybe,’ she replied, biting down on her lip and holding his gaze. He really did have lovely eyes.

  Watching the view sail past, everything looked picture perfect. With sweeping bays and sand dunes, gulls hovered over the white cliffs and Heartcross Mountain stretched towards the sky. Ella watched the waves overturn as the boat glided through them. ‘How do you know where you’re going? It’s not as though there are any road signs,’ she said, thinking out loud.

  Roman laughed. ‘That’s probably because we’re on the river, not the roads.’ He gave her a mischievous look.

  Ella chuckled, feeling like a bit of an idiot. What a stupid thing to say!

  Roman smiled. ‘I know this river like the back of my hand.’

  ‘This bit gets a little choppy,’ shared Callie, holding on to the safety rail at the side of her. ‘Every time it gets me.’

  ‘Eek, my stomach has literally flipped,’ exclaimed Ella, mirroring Callie’s actions and holding on. All of a sudden, she was beginning to feel a little queasy and her whole body felt warm. The last time she’d felt this way was when riding a rollercoaster at the local theme park. Unzipping her lightweight jacket, Ella felt the colour drain from her face.

  ‘There’s calmer waters up ahead. Do you normally get travel sick?’ Roman asked with concern, slowing the boat down.

  Ella thought back to when she was a child. She’d been on a ferry a couple of times, but couldn’t remember feeling this queasy. ‘Not that I can remember, but I’m going to have to get used to it, if I’m doing this journey twice a day.’ Ella felt the churning in her stomach, and hoped she didn’t look as green as she felt.

  ‘Here, come and drive the boat. Sometimes it helps if you are in control. It’ll take your mind off it.’ Roman stepped sideward but kept his hand on the wheel.

  Ella stood up and took the wheel. ‘It’s just like driving a car.’ She gripped the wheel and Roman pointed in the direction they were heading.

  ‘Over towards those trees… this lever slows the boat down if you pull it towards you, like this.’ Roman gently pulled down and the boat began to slow. ‘Have a go.’

  Ella’s hand brushed against his as she took over the controls. She pulled back the lever and the boat slowed, then pushed it back up again to make the boat go faster. ‘It’s like driving a remote-control car, but on a bigger scale.’

  ‘And not forgetting we are on the water… not the road,’ kidded Callie.

  ‘This is actually fun.’ Ella kept her eyes on the water and successfully sailed the boat towards the trees. With the breeze in her face, she was already feeling better.

  Jokingly, Roman took his cap off his head and placed it on Ella’s head. ‘You are a proper captain now. But there’s a tricky part coming up.’ Roman pointed to the small opening in between the trees. ‘We need to slow the boat right down.’

  Ella began to steer the boat into calmer waters, slowing it down gently.

  ‘How are you feeling now?’ asked Roman.

  ‘The queasiness has subsided,’ replied Ella, breathing in deeply and filling her lungs with fresh air.

  ‘We’re nearly there,’ confirmed Callie. ‘The Lakehouse is just around this corner.’

  ‘Take a look over at the secret coves.’ Roman pointed to the left of him. ‘There’s lots of stories about pirates hiding treasures in there.’ He smiled. ‘But are you ready for this? This will take your breath away.’

  Roman stood right behind Ella and reached for the control. She could feel his presence behind her as he leant forward and placed his hand on top of hers. ‘You need to pull this right back now, as far as it will go.’

  He kept his hand on top of hers as Ella carefully steered the boat through the gorgeous weeping willows that hung over the water’s edge, then around a cluster of rocks.

  ‘Look at that!’ exclaimed Ella, taking in the sight in front of her. ‘Just – wow!’

  ‘You haven’t seen anything yet,’ added Callie. ‘It’s amazing.’

  When Ella took her eyes off the water for a moment, the boat gently bumped the bank and Roman placed his hand on the wheel.

  ‘Sorry,’ apologised Ella, letting Roman take over.

  As the water taxi slowly sailed the calm water Ella gazed at the chalky-white rocks that overhung a tiny secluded beach of sparkling beige sand. ‘It’s absolutely stunning,’ she breathed.

  Roman guided the boat to the wooden jetty, where it bobbed on the water.

  ‘This is your stop button.’ Roman pointed to a round red button. ‘Go on, press it. Just never press it if the boat is going at full speed, as it will catapult you forward at full force!’

  Ella pushed the button and immediately the engine cut out. Still wearing Roman’s cap, she glanced over towards The Lakehouse restaurant with its old-fashioned shutters, purple wisteria and pink roses twisting all around the doorway. Up on the roof there was a balcony with tables and chairs overlooking the secluded water.<
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  ‘It’s like something for the rich and famous,’ murmured Ella.

  ‘It’s absolutely breath-taking.’ Roman was looking directly at Ella, then turned his attention back towards The Lakehouse. Ella felt a flutter in her stomach. She was sure Roman wasn’t just talking about the restaurant.

  ‘It is… absolutely breath-taking,’ she repeated, taking the cap from her head and placing it back on his head. ‘Thank you for my driving lesson on water.’

  ‘Anytime,’ replied Roman, tipping his cap.

  Ella couldn’t take her eyes off The Lakehouse. ‘It’s like something out of a novel, a romantic hideaway for lunch.’ She was in awe. She never imagined she’d be working at a restaurant hidden under a canopy of beautiful cliffs, but she would be from Monday.

  ‘And the team are such a fantastic bunch,’ added Callie.

  ‘And here you are, delivered safe and sound.’ The boat gently bumped against the jetty.

  Ella watched as Roman jumped off and tied up the boat securely before pulling the gangplank forward. He stood to the side and saluted as they stepped off the boat, causing Ella to chuckle. ‘I feel like royalty.’

  ‘Are you coming in?’ asked Callie, looking at Roman.

  He shook his head. ‘No, it’s not my break time yet. And just remember the boat back to Heartcross leaves at half past the hour from here.’

  Callie nodded. ‘We’ll catch you later then.’

  ‘You sure will,’ he replied, catching Ella’s eye, and immediately her stomach gave a tiny flip.

  ‘At least my motion sickness has subsided.’

  ‘Sometimes it’s mind over matter,’ reassured Roman, stepping back on board.

  As Ella began to walk down the jetty, she was sure she could feel him still watching her. Taking in the view all around, she hovered and watched the waterfall trickle down the side of the mountain. ‘This place is so romantic.’

  ‘Maybe you should be booking a romantic meal with Roman,’ Callie came straight to the point and lightly nudged Ella’s elbow. ‘It might do you good to go and have some fun…’