Elle listened to the dial tone as she waited for her parents to pick up the phone. It rang a few more times before a recorded voice cut in to announce that the person she was trying to reach had not answered and asked her to leave a message.

‘Hi, Mum and Dad, just me, checking in. I’ve just spent a really exciting day walking through Stormeil Castle, well, the ruins, but we … I mean, I found it. Anyway, just wanted to let you know. It was pretty exciting. I’ve sent you through some photos, so go check Facebook … And I guess I’ll talk to you both later. Bye. Love you.’

She hung up and sat the phone beside her on the bed, feeling her shoulders slump a little. She’d been looking forward to telling them about her day.

The phone vibrated on the bed, drawing Elle’s gaze and a smile as she read the name on the screen.

‘Hey, you.’

‘Are you sitting down?’ Aila said, not bothering with a greeting.

‘Yes. Why?’ Elle asked slowly.

‘Your sketches sold.’

‘What!’ Elle said, leaping from the bed.

‘You just sold three freaking sketches!’ Aila screamed on the other end of the phone.

Elle froze.

‘Elle? Are you there? Oh God, you haven’t fainted on me, have you?’

‘I’m here,’ Elle said, finally managing to find her voice. ‘Are you serious?’

‘I am! You just had your first sale. Congratulations.’

‘All three sold?’

‘Yep. To the same buyer. She loved them all.’

‘Oh my God. I can’t believe it.’

‘Grace wants more. When are you heading back?’

‘I don’t know. I mean …’ She still had to talk to Gran. Instantly her excitement faded. ‘I still have some things to do here.’

‘Oh, right. Sorry. I kind of got a bit carried away and I forgot why you went up there for a minute.’

‘No, it’s okay. It’s great news,’ Elle said, as she ran a hand through her hair. ‘I still can’t believe it.’

‘Well, believe it. We want to put more in the shop.’

Elle’s mind flicked through her recent sketches and knew exactly which ones she would give Aila and Grace. ‘Can I get back to you about the others?’

‘Absolutely. Another few days won’t hurt, but the buyer was keen to see more, so don’t leave it too long.’

‘Okay, no, that’ll be fine, I think I just need to let it all sink in for a minute. I honestly didn’t think they’d sell.’

‘I did. I may not have an artistic bone in my body, but I know good art when I see it. Okay, I need to go, I’m heading out tonight … on a date.’