Isla and Felicity looked at each other again.
‘Now what aren’t you telling me?’ urged Julia.
‘Hamish did some digging, and it turns out his godson is the main contractor. Of course, he’s going to put Hamish first.’
‘What did you say to Jack?’ probed Julia, looking towards Eleni.
‘I didn’t tell him anything because I’ve only just discovered all this, just like you,’ she replied, before taking a sip of her drink.
Julia knew it wouldn’t be long before Flynn began to discover what was going on too. Even though the community weren’t happy, she needed to talk to him and explain what was going on. She didn’t like the fact the hotel threatened her business, but there was a right way to go about things.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of applause. They looked over to see Allie walking into the pub from the living quarters.
‘Glasgow! What a fabulous opportunity for her,’ exclaimed Julia, joining in the applause.
‘Allie!’ Felicity beckoned her over.
Allie was wearing a huge smile as she weaved her way towards them. ‘Can you believe this is my last night in Heartcross, well for a while anyway… little old me is venturing out in the big wide world.’
No one could quite believe that Allie had accepted the job on a newspaper 173 miles from home, as Allie had always been a home bird, but when Rory wanted to follow his dream of working in Africa, it began to make her think about her own passions for life.
Immediately, Isla and Felicity stood up and squealed. They both wrapped their arms around their oldest friend and hugged Allie as tightly as they could. ‘Let me breathe,’ she laughed. ‘Please let me breathe!’
Felicity stood back and held Allie’s hands. ‘We will miss you!’ Felicity came over all emotional whilst Isla blinked back the tears.
‘Don’t cry, I’ll be back before you know it.’
‘That’s why we’re crying!’ teased Isla, pulling Allie in for another hug.
‘Cheeky!’ Allie swiped Isla playfully. ‘And I’ll be back soon as there’s a special birthday coming up, I wouldn’t miss the odd cocktail or two for the world.’ Allie looked towards Julia.
‘And what’s all this I heard on the grapevine, the village has taken matters into their own hands? Hamish mentioned something this morning in the village shop then Flynn popped in to see Mum.’ Allie looked around the table.
‘What do you mean?’ asked Julia, wondering what he would want with Meredith.
‘Apparently the Boathouse is due to open in a couple of weeks and the supplier for all the food and beverages has cancelled on him. He was asking Mum could we possibly help him out with the drinks.’ Allie raised an eyebrow. ‘People aren’t happy he’s taking over the community.’
Julia knew this was getting out of hand. Flynn Carter was an influential man, a millionaire. If the villagers began taking matters into their own hands, Julia knew that in the long run they surely would come off worse. The sooner she could have a chat with him the better.
Julia snagged a glance around the room, but she couldn’t see Flynn. Maybe, after the day he’d had, he’d decided to stay away. ‘It’s absolutely heaving in here now,’ she said, noticing Hamish looking quite riled in the corner of the room with his animated body language, in discussion with Drew. Perhaps in a minute she’d slip over to him and have a chat about what was going on, and what Hamish was trying to achieve, because Julia had a feeling that World War Three could erupt anytime, and that wasn’t going to help anyone.
‘The pub is packed, because we are all making sure we get rid of Allie!’ teased Felicity, tipping Allie a wink.
‘Don’t wind me up! Honestly, one second, I’m excited, the next I’m teary, then scared. I don’t want to leave Mum and Dad, and this place is my home, not to mention it feels weird not to have Rory by my side. I’m doing it all by myself. I feel like a proper grown-up now.’
‘Breathe!’ everyone said in unison then laughed.
‘I know, I know! But look at this place, it’s busy all the time.’ Allie nodded towards her mum and dad who had their work cut out behind the bar.
‘I’ve noticed the whole village seems busier this summer. Heart Mountain is attracting thousands more tourists since the bridge collapse, and with Rory’s TV show I bet Stuart has had a new influx of clients,’ chipped in Felicity.
‘You shouldn’t joke about that, Stuart told Mum that people just randomly walk past the surgery and take photos, the clients on their books have tripled and he’s counting the days until Rory’s return. He’s finding all this fame stuff very bizarre, and my guess is when this TV show airs tonight Stuart is going to be famous in his own right. Remember, I watched it being filmed, and he was hilarious,’ reported Allie with a grin.
‘We were just looking at Rory’s Instagram, it’s amazing. Every morning I check,’ admitted Isla. ‘And how’s the renovations going up at Clover Cottage? Will the new surgery be ready to open by the time Rory comes back?’
Allie shook her head. ‘We are looking at approximately six months, Stuart would like the original surgery closed by Christmas. There’s going to be a short crossover period I think. We are definitely going to need a bigger surgery with Rory’s new-found fame, not to mention more staff, especially with the animal hospital too.’
‘It all sounds amazing, you’ve got so much to look forward to,’ exclaimed Julia, feeling a little jealous that her expansion of her own little business empire may have to be put on hold until she knew the state of play with future bookings.
‘I know, and with the new job my whole world is going to be so much different, and when I get back I’ll be opening up the new photography centre, too, for the disadvantaged kids. In fact the raffle is being drawn tonight, we’ve already raised a good sum of money to put towards the new equipment.’
‘I’ve donated an overnight stay in one of my vans… take an alpaca for a walk and free fresh eggs for a month,’ declared Isla.
‘And we’ve donated a free cream tea plus guest,’ added Felicity.
‘I can add a free overnight at the B&B if that helps?’ said Julia, thinking aloud.
‘And I could donate one of my sketches,’ chipped in Eleni.
‘Sketches?’ queried Allie.
‘You should see Eleni’s sketches, they are amazing! One day this girl will have those sketches in art galleries all around the world – and before you become famous, I best take one off your hands,’ exclaimed Julia, ‘or else!’
‘I can’t wait to see them,’ chirped Allie, who looked over towards her mum. ‘I’m needed behind the bar. I best help out before I get sacked,’ she gave a little chuckle. ‘The raffle ticket books are doing the rounds. The draw will take place just after the TV programme,’ informed Allie. ‘I’m coming!’ she shouted towards her mum who was giving her that look to get back behind the bar pronto.
Julia noticed that people were already parking themselves on the chairs in front of the TV. It was going to be strange watching Rory on the TV and not seeing him in the flesh, every one missed his presence. He was part of this village, a familiar face and once the programme aired alongside the famous Zach Hudson, Rory’s face was no doubt going to be recognised in every house in Scotland. Julia was genuinely happy for him. Rory was as honest as the day is long, a faithful partner, a guy who supported his parents. He deserved it all.