9. Isla #2
“See? I knew you wanted something. That’s all you call me for these days. Callum, we need more money for this idea. Callum, we need more hammocks. Callum ? —”
“All right, all right, I get it.” Isla rolled her eyes, then combed her fingertips through the sand, letting the grains slip between her fingers.
To be fair, she’d enjoyed the part of this whole taking over the inn when they’d been remodeling it.
It had brought a different facet of her creativity to the surface, and she’d been surprised by how much joy it had given her.
Not only had it been brilliant to give the place a makeover but collaborating with Callum was also fun.
They’d never gotten along better, in fact.
“But in this case, it’s not just me that needs something.
It’s Davy. When we were in Vegas together, she asked me if I’d host a new show for the channel she works for.
It’s a six-episode show in six separate places named Paris, starting next month.
I’d need to travel once a week, filming on location for three days, for six weeks. ”
Callum chuckled. “That sounds like a massive headache. Davy always was good for a laugh. I bet you’re glad you quit the business for the inn right about now.”
Oh God.
Isla dropped her chin. “Callum, I told her I’d do it.”
He was silent for a moment. “You must be joking.”
“No, I’m not.” She released a sigh that did nothing to loosen the tension in her chest. “She needs me, Callum. Her boss threatened to fire her until this pitch, and she pitched it with me as the host.”
“Why in the hell would she do that?” The irritation dripped from Callum’s voice.
She cringed. “I may have suggested the whole idea to her.”
Callum grunted. “Isla, for fuck’s sake.”
“Cal—I just...I don’t know. She needed my help. And I don’t want to let her down. She’s my closest friend.”
“And what about the inn? You’re just going to leave for six weeks? Who’s going to run the place? We both know we can’t count on Mum for the job—she’s the reason I had to buy it.”
“I was thinking Sergio could do it. And anyway, I wouldn’t have to be gone the whole time. I could come back between trips.”
“And be there what? Two days a week? You’ll lose two days a week on travel and three days filming. You can’t be flying back and forth like that—it’s ridiculous and won’t be that helpful. You’re supposed to be running the inn, Isla.”
“I am running the inn.”
“You just need a six-week vacation in the middle of the busy season? For another job? That’s completely irresponsible.”
Ouch, that was harsh.
“That’s not fair. I have someone who can step in.
This is a one-time thing. And you know I’ve done more than my share of the bargain with this inn, Callum.
It’s not like you’re here running it day-to-day, making all the sacrifices.
Sure, you write the checks, but the last time I checked the ledgers, you’re also getting the checks, too.
The inn is profitable. At this point, you’re just a glorified bank. ”
As soon as the words were out, she regretted them. She wasn’t trying to be cruel—she was just desperate.
Callum sighed. “I wasn’t a glorified bank when you came to me begging to buy the inn, was I?”
She released a slow sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. She didn’t want to sound ungrateful. Callum had saved this place. For her. For Mum.
“I’m sorry?—”
“No, it’s fine,” he said tersely. “I’m overreacting.
I’m just ...surprised. I know it doesn’t seem as though I’m that involved, but I do plenty on the administrative side that you don’t even know about.
But if this is that important to you, and you’ve got coverage, and you promise you’re not going to make a thing of it, then go ahead.
I just want to be certain you haven’t suddenly gotten cold feet to running the inn. ”
She grabbed a fistful of sand, letting the warmth of it heat her palm.
His words hit harder than she wanted them to.
Cold feet?
She swallowed hard. “It’s a one-time thing.” But she sounded less than reassuring, even to herself. “I promise.”
“Yeah, okay. I’m sorry. I’m just a little stressed at the moment.” He cleared his throat. “I’m actually going for a run with Aiden, but I’ll call you in a little while. We can talk more about this then.”
“Aiden?” she repeated, his name jarring her. “Didn’t you just say it was practically bedtime over there?”
“Yes, we’ve been running most days together. But with his schedule, it’s either got to be at the crack of dawn or once it’s dark. Work is full on for him all the time. Funnily enough, I think he just got back from Vegas, too.”
Of course they run together. Because apparently her life was now a comedy being directed by Satan himself.
“Oh really?” she choked out, her throat tight.
“Yeah, I meant to tell you, but I forgot. I’m sure your paths probably wouldn’t have crossed anyway. He was there on business. Not quite the hen party scene.”
She forced a laugh. “Yes, not quite.”
They said their goodbyes, then a flurry of panic raced through her.
Oh no. Why didn’t I just tell Callum I saw Aiden?
And what if Aiden told him when they went running? Callum would know she hadn’t said anything on purpose. And once Callum started wondering, he wouldn’t stop until he had an answer.
Shit.
But Aiden wouldn’t do that, would he?