‘Callie. That’s where she is today.’ Ella suddenly wasn’t sure it was common knowledge, if Roman was unaware of the situation. She hoped she hadn’t gone and put her foot in it.

‘I’m amazed! I didn’t see that coming. I thought Flynn had all these wonderful ideas to re-open the exclusive club, famous people on Thursdays etc. The restaurant has already had a couple of famous faces eating there. I honestly thought it was doing okay.’

‘Think about the number of diners you take across the river each day.’

Roman thought for a minute. ‘Yes, I suppose you’re right. I’ve never really thought about it. I assumed, with Flynn being the multi-millionaire businessman he is, that it was dead cert that it would be successful. So does that mean I should be looking for another job?’

‘I’m in exactly the same boat – no pun intended.’ She smiled, but Ella had to admit, the last thing she wanted to do was look for another job when she hadn’t even started work there yet. And jobs were hard enough to come by as it was, never mind in a small place like Heartcross – and she really didn’t fancy moving back to the city. She was enjoying the slower pace of life and actually talking to people.

‘Let’s hope our jobs are safe,’ she said. ‘Sometimes business ventures take their time to get off the ground.’ She pointed to the cassette player. ‘I know this one, top tune.’

‘This is one of my absolute favourites. It must be about twenty years old,’ replied Roman, keeping his eyes on the road. ‘The music of today isn’t a patch on the olden days.’

‘The olden days,’ she repeated, laughing, noticing the red hospital signs as they drove through the main town of Glensheil. ‘This place is just like I imagined it too,’ remarked Ella, thinking it was such a pretty town with its outstanding coastal views and surrounding countryside. There was a small sailing club based on this side of the estuary which was already a hive of activity. The streets were lined with boutique shops, art galleries – this was the sort of place Ella could spend hours mooching around in. The restaurants looked amazing, there were carts selling seafood on the street corners, and Ella noticed a sign for delicious ice-cream and a whole shop dedicated to Glensheil Gin.

‘It’s a great town and complements Heartcross perfectly if you want a change of scenery.’ Roman slowed down at the traffic lights and indicated left. ‘That’s my place just there,’ he pointed, as he drove up a quieter road that ran parallel with the River Heart. ‘I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I mean, look at that view – its peaceful, tranquil, walking distance to the shops and the pub, everything you need.’