‘I think I’d do a better job at it too.’ Dolores took a swig of her sherry. ‘These politicians have no clue these days. They make up the rules, then break them themselves.’ She tutted. They watched a couple more reports before the local news was aired, Ella recognising the reporter as soon as she flashed on to the TV screen. ‘This is it,’ shared Ella excitedly, waving her hand at the TV and wondering whether she was actually going to see herself on the screen.

‘Oooh, look at The Lakehouse, it hasn’t changed a bit,’ Dolores sat up straight and shuffled forward on her chair. The reporter was standing on the jetty with the impressive restaurant behind. ‘This place was once full of the rich and famous and often frequented by royalty, and has now been re-opened by property tycoon Flynn Carter. There’s only one way in and one way out – by water taxi. The mouth-watering dishes are devoured by diners, and no wonder – cooking up a storm in the kitchen is world-famous chef Gianni… but first, let’s take a look back in history.’

They both stared at the screen as a number of old photographs of The Lakehouse flashed up. ‘Oh, my days!’ exclaimed Dolores. ‘I used to know all those people.’

There were images of elegant men and woman sipping cocktails at the bar, others were dining, and then Dolores let out a squeal: ‘There’s me!’ A short clip was shown of Dolores singing on the stage next to the piano. ‘I look so… young.’

‘You look amazing!’ remarked Ella, her eyes wide. The reporter returned to the screen. ‘The Lakehouse used to be an exclusive dining experience, with reservations booked for months. And new owner Flynn Carter is well on his way to re-creating the past in the present.’

They cut towards the bar where Flynn was being interviewed about his plans for the future, before the report switched to the stunning scenery outside, the golden sand, the bay with striking white jagged cliffs. The reporter described The Lakehouse as a place of romance and the perfect venue for that special dinner.

Dolores pointed at the screen. ‘Look!’

‘Oh, my days… there’s me!’ exclaimed Ella, as she appeared on the screen holding hands across the table with Roman.

‘This is the perfect setting for romance,’ continued the reporter. ‘The Lakehouse has everything, the perfect rooftop terrace, the best champagne and all the food is sourced locally.’

‘And that’s Roman, the guy who brought you to the hospital?’

Ella nodded, noticing the way he lit up the screen, which didn’t go unnoticed by Dolores either.

Dolores raised a perfectly arched eyebrow. ‘He is rather handsome too.’

After the news report finished, Ella noticed that Dolores looked a little saddened. ‘Those were the days, just the best days.’

‘Do you miss those days?’ asked Ella, pulling her legs up on the sofa and tucking her feet under herself.

‘When you get to my age you miss yesterday… every day.’