Chapter Thirty-Eight
Beth was rushed off her feet at work. Poor Jim had been floored with a nasty flu, and she’d insisted that he didn’t even bother trying to work from home. ‘Just rest and get better,’ she’d told him on the phone. ‘I will handle things here, please don’t worry.’
‘Thanks Beth,’ he said gratefully. ‘I’ll be in touch when I’m out the other side.’
She was pleased that she could step in and hold the fort, and that she felt confident enough to do so. That was a feeling that had been unfamiliar to her for a long time. But she was starting to remember that she was more than capable — that she was good at her job. She was starting to make more connections with the locals and felt like she belonged.
Ever since Callum had walked into the office the other day, she had been keeping a close eye on her phone just in case he texted her to arrange their date . She knew it was none of her business, but she couldn’t help feeling in awe of him for stepping in to raise his niece, and she was still curious as to what had happened to Callum’s sister, Daisy’s mum. She was due to see Daisy later on that day, to go over some English with her, and she was looking forward to it. Not just because of the Callum connection, but because she was genuinely very fond of the girl. She didn’t know all the circumstances and what had happened to her mum — she would let Callum tell her that in his own time — but she knew it couldn’t be easy for her. She didn’t know how she would have coped without her mum during her teenage years, which were not the easiest.
‘Hey Beth,’ said Laura. ‘Here’s your post. Urgh it is horrible out there.’ She grimaced as her eyes flicked around the office. ‘Is Jim still off?’
‘Yes, seems to have it bad.’
‘That is so unlike him. I don’t ever remember him being ill before or taking a day off sick. Mind you, it’s a good day — or week — to be in bed.’ She shivered. ‘It’s set to get worse. I think the ferries are going to be cancelled from about two o’clock.’
‘I wonder if people ever get used to that.’ Beth had been working on a campaign the newspaper had been running to try and improve the ferry service for the islanders. ‘Coffee?’ she asked, holding up a mug.
‘Aye, please, thanks. I’ll have a quick one to warm me up. And I think they’re just resigned.’ Laura shrugged. ‘What do you do about it? It’s part and parcel of living on an island. Though I don’t remember it being as bad as this when I was younger. You could always get on and off the island, no matter what. But maybe that’s me looking back with rose-tinted spectacles.’
Beth had walked into the kitchen to make their drinks and poked her head back out, laughing. ‘Yup. I’ve got a pair of them as well. I just hope the weather gets better for Christmas.’
Beth placed the cup of coffee on the desk next to Laura. ‘Here you are.’
‘Well, cheers. Don’t tell Jim, but you make nicer coffee than he does.’
‘That’s because I insisted that we get a cafetière for the office. I don’t like instant stuff.’ Beth smiled.
‘Well what a difference. Now you know why I always turn him down when he offers me one.’
‘Yes, he’ll just use that big jar of instant that’s been in the cupboard for God knows how long. He seems resistant to change. Aside from that, he’s a breath of fresh air to work with.’
Laura nodded thoughtfully. ‘He’s a good guy. I just hope he bounces back soon.’
‘Hopefully another few days and he’ll be fine,’ said Beth.
‘And how are you getting on?’
‘Great,’ said Beth. ‘I love it.’
‘That’s good. It’s a big change, not everyone can hack it. Especially at this time of year when it’s dark and bleak. But the fact you’re loving it now is a good sign.’
Laura drained the rest of her coffee, then pulled up the zip on her jacket. ‘Right, thanks for that Beth, but I’d better go. I want to get my rounds done so I can get home and hole up before the weather gets worse.’
‘Nice to see you, take care. Hope you get home soon.’ Beth looked out at the grey sludgy sea. ‘I wouldn’t like to be out on that.’
Beth took the empty cups and washed them in the sink. When she got back to her desk a message had pinged on her phone. It was from Daisy.
Really sorry Beth but I don’t feel well. Can we put off our study session today please? XX
What a shame , thought Beth. Sounds like the flu is doing the rounds. She looked outside, shuddering when she saw the huge swells in the sea and the rain that was lashing against the window. She typed a reply.
Aw of course. What a shame Daisy. Take care and rest up and get in touch when you’re feeling better. Stay cosy it’s horrid out there. X
Beth glanced at the clock. She had a quick job to do at the RNLI station in Lamlash. Two of the crew were receiving long-service awards and she needed to get a couple of photos and some words from them. She sincerely hoped that they wouldn’t get called out in this weather. The conditions looked horrific, and Laura had been right, all the ferries were cancelled until later the following day at the earliest. She quickly printed out some information she thought would be handy for Daisy, pulled on her coat and then ran upstairs to the flat, raiding her emergency chocolate stash. Then she made the journey round to Lamlash, her windscreen wipers barely clearing the rain as it battered down. There was a reason that the roads were empty. Everyone was staying indoors, which was what she should have done too. Just as she drove down the hill towards the village, her phone rang.
‘Hey Beth, it’s Grant from the RNLI.’
‘I’m just on my way round Grant. Should be there in a few minutes.’
‘Ah, sorry Beth. I was calling to ask if we can postpone. George can’t get down, the road from his cottage is flooded. I’m sorry if you’re already on the way. We were looking forward to meeting you in person.’
‘Of course. Don’t worry. I’ve another errand to do anyway. I’ll call you and rearrange?’
‘Ideal,’ said Grant. ‘Don’t stay out too long though. It’s only set to get worse.’
‘I won’t. Thanks Grant.’
‘Cheers,’ he said ending the call.
Beth shrugged. She was out anyway, so she may as well do what she had planned to. Then she could get back to the flat and hibernate.