‘These pictures are amazing – look at some of those outfits. It’s like a different world,’ Ella said as she stared at the photographs. Wilbur agreed with her and just as they made their way to the end of the corridor, Callie left Flynn’s office and made her way towards Ella.

‘Excuse me, ladies, I need to chat to Flynn about something. Ella, it was lovely to meet you. Hope your first shift goes well on Monday.’ Wilbur gave them both a little bow, before entering Flynn’s office.

‘You’re quiet, what’s wrong?’ Ella asked, as she eyed Callie carefully.

Callie took a step backwards and looked up the corridor, then back towards Ella.

‘There’s no other way to dress this up, but The Lakehouse is in financial trouble.’ She exhaled audibly. ‘It’s making a loss, and unless by some miracle we can get more diners in…’

Ella’s mood slumped; after everything she’d been through, she was relying on this job. This just wasn’t turning out to be her year.

‘Flynn is worried but he’s trying to put on a brave face.’

‘Can we get the locals involved? Didn’t you say they get discounts up at Starcross Manor? Maybe if Flynn does the same here…’ suggested Ella.

‘They already do get a discount. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s not accessible by walking or car? When The Lakehouse first opened up again there was an article in a hospitality magazine which Flynn perceived as bad press. This could have damaged the numbers a little, but with the amount of tourists in Heartcross, you’d expect the place to be full.’

‘Maybe it’s just that people don’t know it’s here. It’s okay trying to rely on word of mouth, but that isn’t going to work unless people have something to talk about, or they’ve been here to dine. This place is unique. Look at its past. This restaurant is special, and Flynn needs to capitalise on that. It would be criminal for this place to close down.’

‘Look at the business woman in you!’ Callie was clearly impressed. ‘You should talk to Flynn.’

‘I’ve learnt so many valuable lessons from having my own little business, and as there was only me to rely on, sometimes I had to learn the hard way.’

‘Come on, let’s go and order a drink. Let’s help the place look busy.’

They chose a table near the window overlooking the bay. Ella noticed Roman tying up the boat on the jetty. He was very charismatic even from afar, and she watched him as he acknowledged a couple of passengers as they ambled hand in hand towards The Lakehouse.

‘There should be more diners, this is prime time,’ remarked Ella, observing all the empty tables.