Ella had no alternative except to leave the conversation there. She’d offered her help and Roman had turned her down. What more could she do? Except be there if he changed his mind.

‘What are you pair chatting about?’ Callie appeared behind them, causing Ella to jump and turn around. ‘First-day nerves, is what we are talking about. I was just telling Roman how I’m feeling nervous yet a little excited, but I can’t wait to become part of the team.’

Roman glanced across at Ella and gave her a look of appreciation. Ella knew the conversation between them was private, and even though she had got very little out of Roman she wasn’t going to share his business with anyone. She just hoped whatever was going on, he got some help from somewhere, because Ella recognised the signs. Roman was on a downwards spiral, and things must be proving too much to handle, especially as he had started being late for work.

Roman fixed his eyes back on the water ahead as he began to steer the boat through the weeping willows, leaving Isla and Felicity gasping at the view as the restaurant came into sight.

‘The beauty of the place gets them every time.’ Roman smiled warmly towards Ella.

‘It is a magical place,’ agreed Ella, suddenly thinking of Dolores. In her mind she could picture Dolores stepping off the boat dressed up to the nines and mingling with the rich and famous. ‘A Trip Down Memory Lane’ was what this place needed and hopefully Dolores would agree.

‘Who’s that?’ asked Felicity, now joining them at the front of the boat. She pointed to the huddle of people standing on the sandy bay outside the restaurant along with Flynn.

‘That’s the TV crew,’ observed Isla, clapping her hands together. ‘It’s all go!’

They all stood up as Roman slowly sailed the boat alongside the jetty and cut the engine. He turned towards everyone. ‘Here we are folks, please step on to the jetty with care. The boat sails back half past the hour, every hour.’

Like a gentleman, Roman held out a steady hand and helped each and every one of them off the boat. Ella was the last to leave. ‘Thank you for keeping my business between ourselves,’ whispered Roman as he helped her down.

‘You’re welcome,’ she replied, ‘and you know where I am.’

Ella followed the gang towards the entrance to The Lakehouse, but she quickly glanced back over her shoulder. Roman was watching her and Ella saluted, leaving him grinning at her. She could only hope that, in time, he would begin to open up.

Chapter Eight

Flynn greeted everyone inside the restaurant with a huge smile. ‘Thank you for coming, I know you are all busy and I really do appreciate it.’ He guided them all to the reception area, where a member of staff showed them to their tables.