‘Interesting,’ replied Rona mulling over the information she’d just heard. ‘Afternoon teas will certainly have a big impact on our afternoon trade. I’m not liking this Flynn Carter much.’
‘Not only will there be a spa, swimming pool, gym…’ Julia reeled off the list. ‘There’s also going to be a shop… imagine a motorway service station type of shop, one that sells everything from batteries to refreshments, from newspapers to cuddly toys – this will have a huge impact on you Hamish. The guests staying at that hotel will have everything at their fingertips.’
Julia noticed the colour drain from Hamish’s face. ‘Have you got this on good authority?’ he asked her.
‘Yes,’ confirmed Julia, thinking back to her earlier conversation with Flynn. ‘Straight from the horse’s mouth and then there’s my business too. I can’t compete with the amenities of a five-star hotel and I’m worried I’m going to lose business.’
‘That’s possibly the same for me too,’ exclaimed Isla, speaking up.
Almost immediately there was a barrage of questions put forward from the residents of Heartcross. ‘Can this actually happen?’ Drew directed his question at Alfie, trying to get a handle on it all.
All heads swung towards Alfie. ‘I’m afraid so. All his licences are in place and Flynn has everything covered.’
Hamish looked forlorn. ‘So what we are saying here is this man can waltz into Heartcross, build a hotel, increase traffic through our village and the only person that is going to benefit from this is Flynn Carter? Leaving all our businesses struggling?’
‘I’m afraid that could possibly be the case Hamish,’ answered Julia.
The room fell silent, everyone looked suitably horrified.
‘The Boathouse is due to open soon and I know this for a fact because Flynn was in the pub when we were talking about Allie’s fundraiser and her farewell drinks… just a quick reminder whilst you are all here, that’s tomorrow night in the pub alongside the airing of Rory’s TV show.’
Tomorrow, Allie was swapping the idyllic countryside for the bright lights of the city of Glasgow. She’d landed a job as a photographer on a national newspaper for six months whilst her fiancé was working for a lion sanctuary over in Africa alongside Zach Hudson, already a TV superstar. Allie and Rory had inherited Clover Cottage, and its acres of land, which was currently being renovated. Within the grounds a new state-of-the-art vet’s surgery was being built for Rory whilst Allie was opening up a centre for disadvantaged kids focusing on photography.
‘We will all be there.’ Julia smiled warmly towards Allie.
‘Flynn has actually donated a prize for the fundraiser,’ added Meredith.
Fergus waved his hand to speak. ‘What are we going to do about it?’
‘I’m suggesting that if you have got the same concerns as I have then maybe someone should talk to Flynn. Voice our worries, ask him how his hotel fits into the community, because the last thing we need is a him-and-us situation. If I’m being honest with you all, with his money and clout I think it will be our little businesses that come off worse.’
‘What do we know about this man? Is he a decent bloke? You said he’s been untrustworthy in the past,’ shouted out Drew.
Julia was in a dilemma. The old Flynn she knew seemed worlds away from the Flynn that she’d met recently. But what if he was just playing a very good game to lull everyone into a false sense of security before whipping their business from under them? Since he’d arrived, Flynn hadn’t put a foot wrong, and actually seemed like a nice guy. Julia could feel Eleni’s eyes on her, and she knew Jack thought he was a decent, genuine guy. If Julia had been asked to answer Drew’s question on the day Flynn had stepped back into Heartcross it would be a different answer to what she was about to say now. Flynn was charismatic, she’d felt comfortable in his company, but there was still that niggle about him in the back of her mind.
‘All we can do is elect a spokesperson and address our concerns,’ replied Julia.
Drew threw his hands up in the air. ‘Well with the B&B in the firing line, would you be prepared to talk to him on behalf of us all?’ Drew looked over the sea of faces and everyone was nodding in agreement.
All eyes were on Julia who nodded. ‘Okay, I’ll talk to him,’ she agreed, taking out her notepad and pen from her bag. ‘Let me write down everything you want me to ask.’
For the next five minutes the residents fired numerous questions at Julia which she jotted down. ‘Okay, I think I have everything now,’ she confirmed.
As Felicity began to pass round plates of biscuits Rona touched Julia’s arm. ‘Try not worry about your B&B, whatever happens we all stick together.’ Rona put on her best encouraging smile and gave Julia’s hand a little squeeze.
‘Thank you. I am really worried, but I’ll talk to Flynn tomorrow after breakfast.’
‘Good plan and once we have more information we can take it from there.’
Julia felt a sense of relief, this was what living in Heartcross was all about, friends being there for each other no matter what. This was a special community and hopefully Flynn could see how anxious everyone was about the impact the hotel would have on their business.
Chapter Seven
It was just after 11am when Julia climbed into her car armed with the list of questions from last night’s meeting. She’d been clock-watching all morning, willing the chores to be done so she could go and chat to Flynn, who’d been on her mind all morning. The community had elected her as spokeswoman, and she was on her way to find out his view on how the hotel would affect the residents of Heartcross, and more importantly the effect on her own B&B.
As she arrived the carpark was full of vehicles, and Julia pulled up next to a white transit van before jumping out and making her way up the stone steps towards the entrance. She felt nervous, but Flynn hadn’t shown any signs of being difficult since he’d arrived, so she had everything crossed it was going to stay that way. After rehearsing the conversation over in her mind, she was surprised to find a group of builders hanging around in the lavish foyer. This was the first time she’d set foot inside Starcross Manor, and she had to do everything in her power not to gasp out loud. This place was out of this world, it looked regal with its crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling and the slate marble floor that stretched to a grand arching stairway. A balcony circled the entrance hall, which seemed bigger than the whole of Julia’s B&B – this place was huge!
For a second, she hovered, then heard Flynn’s raised voice filtering from a room just off the reception. Realising there was something going on and that maybe this wasn’t the best time to discuss things with Flynn, Julia was just about to slip back out the door when Jack caught her eye.
Julia whispered, ‘Hey, what’s happening? Everyone seems…’ she was trying to put her finger on it, ‘stressed.’
‘That’s an understatement,’ Jack lowered his voice and moved backwards from the rest of the builders. He was just about to share with Julia what was going on when once again Flynn’s tense voice could be heard. Then the door flung open and Flynn strolled into the foyer and hung up his phone. He looked frazzled, shaking his head in disbelief and threw his arms up in the air. ‘Down tools. You may as well all leave. There will be no materials arriving today.’