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.’