Whilst Callie freshened up Ella quickly ironed over her uniform and thought about the day ahead tomorrow. She felt a little nervous that the TV crew would be filming but she was looking forward to it. According to Callie, Gianni was already panicking over the dishes for tomorrow, whereas Flynn had brought in extra staff from Starcross Manor to make sure the place looked as good as could be. There were fresh flowers in every corner of the restaurant, on the piano and at each end of the bar. Flynn had pulled out all the stops.

‘Right, I’m ready.’ Callie appeared whilst Ella was hanging up her uniform ready for the morning.

‘I might even get my fifteen minutes of fame. What a way to begin a new job,’ remarked Ella.

‘You might indeed. Come on, I’m starving.’

On her way out Ella ruffled McCartney’s head and topped up Fred’s food, then followed Callie down the stairwell. As they shut the stairwell door behind them they spotted Roman walking out of Hamish’s shop swinging a carrier bag and whistling. His mood had certainly lifted from a few hours ago. Ella couldn’t help but admire his appearance; he was a vision of gorgeousness dressed in black skinny jeans and a tight white T-shirt.

‘Good evening, Roman,’ Callie called out.

Roman spun round. ‘Hi, how was work?’ he asked, looking at Callie, then turning his attention towards Ella. ‘You look lovely, Ella, that colour suits you.’

Ella felt herself blush.

‘Thanks, this old thing?’ she said, trying to play down his compliment. Ella couldn’t remember the last time she’d treated herself to any new clothes. With all the credit card debts hanging over her head, it would be a long time before she could go on a shopping spree.

‘We are just off for a Sunday roast at the pub. Would you like to join us?’

Roman held up the carrier bag in his hand. ‘Vegetables! Even though I believe Meredith serves up the best roasts. But I’m making a vegetable curry. I heard Hamish grows the best veggies from his allotment. But thank you for the invite. I’ll see you both tomorrow.’ Roman gave Ella a warm smile and clambered into Bette and with only two attempts, got the engine started.

Ella clutched the appointment card inside her bag. Roman was kind, polite, he’d stopped and made conversation. He dressed immaculately and he seemed a genuinely nice guy. There was no way he had an alcohol problem, it just didn’t stack up.

Callie’s eyes swept from Bette then towards Ella. ‘And that contraption got you to the hospital?’

‘That contraption is a treasured member of Roman’s family and he loves her.’

‘Someone has to,’ Callie joked, opening the door to the pub. ‘Welcome to the Grouse and Haggis, it’s the best pub around.’