‘It’s today McCartney, my first shift at The Lakehouse.’ But McCartney was oblivious, he was too busy waggling his legs in the air, hoping for a tummy tickle. ‘And then I have to talk to Dolores. Fingers crossed.’ She picked up McCartney in her arms and gave him a huge squeeze before wandering out into the living room to find Callie talking on the phone. As soon as she finished her call, she sang good morning and handed Ella a cup of tea.

‘I don’t think we’ll be sitting out on the balcony this morning.’

The rain was lashing down, and it sounded like pellets firing against the windowpanes. ‘According to the weather forecast it’s going to clear up in the next hour. Let’s hope it stops before we head over to the boat. How are you feeling about your first day?’

‘I’m really looking forward to it. It should be a fun day. Who was on the phone?’

‘Flynn,’ replied Callie, ‘asking where Roman is. He gave him an early shift to ferry the TV crew across the river, but he’s failed to turn up.’

‘Really?’ Ella was surprised, he really didn’t seem like the unreliable type.

‘It’s not the first time and I know Flynn has got enough on his plate without any added pressures at the minute.’

‘There’s got to be a reasonable explanation,’ replied Ella, trying to smooth the way, even though the appointment at Oasis Lodge had just popped back into her head. Maybe Roman really was recovering from an addiction of some kind, but then Ella scorned herself for jumping to conclusions. ‘Something must have happened because he said he’d see me at work today. Bette has probably broken down, it will be something simple.’

‘There’s things called phones.’ Callie waggled her own phone in the air. ‘This was the last thing that Flynn needed this morning. Wilbur should be inside the restaurant, not sailing the boat. We need all bums on seats to make the restaurant look busy, but I’m just about to rope in a few more of the gang. Julia and Eleni will hopefully get over to the restaurant once everything is sorted at the B&B.’

‘Today will run smoothly, I’m sure. Roman will have an explanation, the TV news report will bring in more diners and as soon as I’ve talked to Dolores, hopefully we can all go on “A Trip Down Memory Lane”. I still can’t quite believe Flynn has faith in me to organise it, when I’ve only just arrived. I’m still a little nervous – can I organise such a star-studded bash?’