Chapter 5
5
C ally was in the back room of the chemist, surrounded by towering piles of cardboard boxes in the middle of unsheathing a load of cough syrup from its outer carton. As she slid open an inner box and opened another carton, she checked off the contents against the delivery sheet and ticked off a stock list on the computer. Methodically going through the order, she thought about Birdie’s job offer and wondered if she really wanted to be doing the job full-time for the rest of her life. Had she struggled to do her degree in the spare room of her grandma’s house amidst her caring role to end up doing something she was mostly unqualified for? The honest answer was that she really wasn’t sure. Where was the razzle-dazzle in unwrapping cough syrup for a living? The va va voom of unloading boxes of fish oil capsules wasn’t exactly earth shattering.
She hadn’t yet received the formal offer email offer from Birdie, anyway, so the decision was in limbo. They’d discussed the role further and Birdie had said that Cally should take some time to really think it over and that there was no real rush. Cally was more than happy with that.
Her phone pinged from its position on the side. She glanced at it expecting to see a message from either Logan or Eloise but instead saw a number she didn’t know. Squinting at the screen, she tapped.
Hi Cally, Molly from Lovely Bay Coats here. Just a quick note to say you are at the top of the list. If you would like to go ahead with your Lovely coat, please click the attached link to book a slot for your first fitting. If you’re no longer interested, if you wouldn’t mind, please contact us so that we can offer your spot to the next one on our waiting list. Best, Lovely Bay Coats.
Cally gasped. She'd been on the waiting list for a much-coveted Lovely Bay coat for what felt like an eternity. The navy blue wax jackets were something of a Lovely Bay institution and locals wore them with a huge sense of pride. You did not mess with a Lovely coat or anyone wearing one. Lovelies had them for a lifetime and they were a much-cherished part of local life. To have one made for you was a big old deal. Cally shook her head as she reread the message. She couldn’t quite believe that she’d finally made it to the top of the list. Nor could she get her head around the fact that she’d got on the list in the first place, but she wasn’t going to tell anyone that. She let out a little whoop of joy.
‘Everything alright?’ Birdie's voice called from the dispensary area.
‘Yes!’ Cally called back, unable to keep the excitement from her voice. ‘More than alright, actually. I've just had a text from the coat shop. They’re ready for me to have my first fitting. At last!’
Birdie's head popped around the corner. ‘You've been waiting for ages, haven't you?’
Cally nodded. ‘Yes, I've been on the list forever. I'd almost given up hope. Ooh, exciting! I’ve wanted a coat to call my own since I started working for you. I’m always borrowing someone else's and they never fit me properly.’
Birdie chuckled, coming fully into the back room. ‘Well, good things come to those who wait, as they say. And just in time for your trip to Scotland, too. That coat will come in handy up there, I'd wager. Always chilly in that part of the world, if you ask me. Not that I’ve ever been invited to go to the estate. Chance would be a fine thing.’
Cally winced a little bit at the mention of her upcoming trip. Even though she pretended on the outside she was fine, she was still getting used to the idea of being part of Logan's world and all that it entailed. A long weekend away with his family was a big step as far as she was concerned.
‘You're right. It's perfect timing, really. How long does it take for the coat to be made? Do you know?’
‘Once you’re at the top of the list, not long. It’s the waiting that takes the time. Those girls in there don’t mess around.’
‘Great. So, it might just be ready in time for Scotland.’
‘Yep.’
‘Woohoo.’
Birdie widened her eyes. ‘Welcome to the club.’