‘You’ll never guess what,’ Jools said, pushing her hands through her spiky pink hair the following morning. ‘Gran heard Jack’s ex telling the manager of the hotel that she’s planning a secret wedding for her and her fiancé.’
‘She can’t do that,’ Bella said, horrified. ‘Jack is the last person you could force into a surprise wedding.’
‘That’s up to him to decide though, isn’t it?’ Mrs Jones, Jools’ grandmother, looked up from the figures she was working on at the till in the second-hand bookshop she and Jools ran together. Despite knowing the lady her entire life, Bella – and everyone else on the boardwalk – still referred to her as Mrs Jones. ‘Jack’s a big lad,’ she said. ‘I’m sure he can stand up for himself against that little madam.’
But what if he can’t? Bella thought. Should she tip him off about Nicki’s plans?
‘And don’t you go saying anything to him,’ Jools’ grandmother said. ‘I shouldn’t have been earwigging her conversation. And certainly shouldn’t have told you girls.’
‘Why not, Mrs Jones?’ Bella asked, desperate to be able to share this information with him.
‘Because, Bella, it’s not your business, nor yours either, young lady,’ she said, pointing at Jools.
‘Then why tell us, if we can’t do anything with the information?’
‘Stop moaning and help me sort these books,’ she said, pushing them across the counter to Jools. ‘Betty had them brought in to me this morning on consignment. We need them marked up and displayed to sell them for her as quickly as possible.’
At the mention of Betty’s name, concern coursed through Bella. She, like everyone else on the boardwalk, was extremely fond of the oldest and most heroic resident. Bella still felt emotional at the thought of the plaque the residents had erected to honour Betty’s actions during the Occupation of the island during the Second World War.
‘Does she need money, do you think?’ she asked, not sure how she could help her out if she did.
‘Nothing like that, Bella,’ Mrs Jones said, lifting another three hardbacks out of the box next to her before checking them and passing them on to Jools. ‘She’s wanting to clear a little space in that cottage of hers. She’s taken in a rescue cat that someone abandoned near here. She wants a place for its bed.’
Bella liked the idea of Betty having a companion living in her cottage. ‘That is good news. How did she find out about it?’
‘Young Jack Collins,’ Mrs Jones said. ‘He met up with someone when he was drying off after a surf and they got chatting. The woman told him about the cat and he presented it to Betty the next day with a bed, food and bowls. She was delighted, apparently.’
Bella couldn’t imagine why he hadn’t mentioned it. ‘He never said.’
Jools stroked her arm. ‘Maybe he forgot, or perhaps he didn’t want to show off about giving her the cat. Who knows?’
Talking about Jack reminded Bella about Nicki and her plans for a secret wedding. ‘I don’t see how I can keep Nicki’s plans to myself, Mrs Jones.’
‘Well, you must. It’s not our secret to tell. Promise me you won’t tell him.’ She gave Bella a piercing glare that she remembered only too well from when Mrs Jones was her headmistress at secondary school. ‘Yes, I promise.’
‘Good, now off you go. We need to get these books sorted for Betty.’
‘No problem. See you soon.’ As Bella left, she tried to think of a way to tell Jack without breaking Mrs Jones’ confidence. ‘Bugger,’ she groaned. There had to be a way of helping him with this.
She returned to the cottage to find Jack sitting in his favourite forties armchair, dozing by the fire. Bella crept into the living room and watched his muscular chest rise and fall under his faded blue sweatshirt. His dark lashes, fanned out on his cheeks, were the envy of most women who knew him. Why did men seem to have all the luck when it came to long lashes? she thought. He looked so peaceful and relaxed. What would he want her to do? He was her friend and she owed it to him to be honest. Then again, as Mrs Jones insisted, it wasn’t Bella’s secret to share. And she had promised not to say anything.
Her guilt intensified until she remembered that he was a grown man and more than capable of standing up for himself and saying no, should he choose to. She leant against the small davenport desk near the front door. Could it simply be that she was scared he might want to say yes to Nicki’s proposal? Would he? Before she could answer her own question, Jack opened his eyes and caught her staring.
‘I didn’t hear you come in. Been back long?’ His grin disappeared. ‘You look very pensive. Something wrong?’
She forced a smile. ‘No, everything’s fine.’
He sat up and narrowed his eyes, leaning forward. ‘Why do I get the impression you’re fibbing to me, Bella?’ he smiled. ‘You can confide in me about anything. I hope you know that?’
She stood up and waved her hand in front of her face, as if a pesky fly was flitting about in front of it. ‘I was just thinking about, um modelling work.’
‘You’ve got another job? That’s great news.’
She shook her head, unable to tell him a downright lie. ‘No, unfortunately not. I think Megan Knight and I got off to a bit of a rocky start. I was wondering when I’m going to be offered another shoot, that’s all.’
Now she’d said it, she was concerned. She hadn’t heard from Abel since being back home and hoped he would have something for her soon. The photo shoots topped up her income nicely. Now that her mother was staying and she wasn’t getting Alessandro’s weekly rent, she could do with some extra money coming in.
‘I could increase my rent, if you like,’ Jack offered, obviously sensing the reason behind her concern.
‘No, Jack,’ she said with a scowl. ‘You pay your fair share and anyway, you’re not really in a position to be overly generous. Not now you’re soon to be out of work.’
He stood up and came over. ‘Give me a hug,’ he said, stretching out his arms. ‘Come on,’ he insisted when she didn’t make a move. ‘I think we could both do with one right now.’
Jack’s hugs were her favourite defence against her woes. She stepped into his arms without further hesitation, breathing in his warm soapy scent. ‘You showered.’
He smiled down at her. ‘You say that as if it’s a rare occurrence.’
Bella pinched his side making him flinch and laugh. ‘I didn’t mean that and you know it.’
He darted away from her. ‘Hey, stop that. I’m glad you approve of my smell.’
‘All I said was that you’d showered.’
She enjoyed the banter she shared with Jack. Maybe it was just as well that they were nothing more than friends, she mused. If the connection between them changed, she would miss this comfortable way they had between them. What if they got together and it didn’t work out. It could change everything. Even her friendship with Sacha. She didn’t want that to happen. Though would it really have to alter? she couldn’t help wondering.
She realised Jack was speaking. ‘Sorry, you said something?’
‘I was saying, you mustn’t worry and that we’ll make a plan.’
She smiled at the familiar words. ‘You’ve picked that up from my mum, haven’t you? She’s always saying the same thing.’
‘She’s a wise lady.’
Bella wasn’t so sure about that. ‘Sometimes, I suppose.’
‘Anyway, I might have a job.’
Bella stepped back. ‘Really? Where?’
He shook his head, hands on his hips as he frowned. ‘Hey, don’t sound so shocked. I’m not completely unemployable, you know?’
She giggled. ‘Who are you going to be working for?’
‘Tony.’
‘Fisherman, Tony?’ She wasn’t sure she liked this idea too much. ‘But you’ll go out in all weathers. It could be dangerous.’
Jack’s expression softened and all his amusement vanished. ‘Will you worry about me?’
She pushed his right shoulder, hard. ‘Of course I’ll bloody worry about you,’ she said, before she had time to think. Then, embarrassed to have been so open with her feelings, she added, ‘And so will Sacha. I’m sure she’ll have something to say about you going out to sea each day.’
She walked into the kitchen to give her something to do.
Jack followed. ‘I’m a big boy now.’
‘I know.’ She squeezed her eyes closed, relieved he was behind her and couldn’t see her battling to suppress her feelings.
‘Then you’ll also know that I don’t need anyone’s permission.’ He turned and marched out of the room. ‘Shit. What is it about the women around me?’ she heard him grumble as he went up the stairs. ‘You all think you’ve got a right to tell me what to do.’
Bella leant against the worktop, her head drooping. Why couldn’t she think before she spoke? He was right though; he could think for himself and no doubt he would do so when Nicki unveiled her plans for their wedding. The thought calmed her slightly. She needed to focus on her own troubles and leave Jack to get on with what he needed to do. What was wrong with being a fisherman anyway?
‘It’s bloody dangerous, that’s what,’ she mumbled, switching on the kettle.
‘What is?’ her mother whispered behind her, giving her a fright and making her wallop her elbow on the corner of the cooker as she spun around.
‘Don’t creep up on me like that,’ Bella snapped.
‘You haven’t answered my question.’
Bella rubbed the pain away and pointed upstairs, putting a finger to her lips. ‘Shush, I don’t want Jack to hear.’
‘What?’
She told her about his job offer.
Claire thought for a moment. ‘I don’t know what the problem is. He respects the water and let’s face it, knows how to deal with it far better than most of us. He’ll be fine. Be happy for him that his money problems are solved.’
She was probably right, Bella thought. It was none of her business anyway what Jack did, more’s the pity.
Her mother was about to add something just as Bella’s phone rang. She pulled it out of her pocket. It was Abel. Relieved at the prospect of another photo shoot, she answered.
‘Hi,’ she said cheerfully. ‘And the answer is yes.’
There was a hesitation before he said, ‘You don’t know the question yet. I’m, er, not phoning about a shoot. I need you to do me a favour. To be honest, I need you to do one for my girlfriend.’
‘I’d be delighted to,’ she said, trying to imagine what she could possibly be able to do. ‘What is it?’
She heard a muffled comment and presumed he had placed his hand over the receiver so she couldn’t hear what was being said.
‘I need you to find somewhere for Megan to stay.’
She might be willing to put herself out for a job, but having that little madam staying with her was not something she’d even contemplate. ‘If you’re referring to Megan Knight, then I’m afraid the answer has to be a resounding no.’
He sighed heavily. ‘I knew that would be your first answer.’
‘And my final one,’ she snapped, irritated with him for asking.
‘Look, I know she’s a nightmare.’
‘That’s an understatement. Abel, she’s been famous for what, a month? How does anyone have such a high opinion of themselves after being in the public eye for only that length of time? I don’t get it.’
‘Bella, babes.’
‘Don’t call me that, Abel,’ she said through gritted teeth. ‘Especially if you want something from me.’
‘No, of course, that was silly of me. Sorry. She’s Megan’s agent and is expecting me to help her sort something out.’ He sounded flustered, and if Bella was right, his girlfriend was in the background, giving him a hard time. Someone was, and it didn’t sound like Megan. ‘Please, Bella. I’m desperate. She’s had a fling with this financier bloke. He’s got a reputation for being a bad boy and her manager has managed to sign her up for an exclusive with one of the big gossip magazines. We need somewhere for her to lie low where she can’t get into trouble.’
‘We do have the Internet here, you know,’ she said, indignant that he was making her home sound like some backwater. ‘We all use mobile phones here. I don’t see how her being on the island is going to keep her from making trouble.’
‘We have a better chance of her not being found if she’s there though,’ he said. ‘You’re used to celebrities being over there on Jersey.’
‘We say in Jersey, actually. And we’re more used to people who’ve done something to become famous than the five-minute celebs like Megan.’
He groaned. ‘Are you going to help me with this, or not.’
‘No.’ There, she’d said it. Relieved, Bella smiled at her mum for the first time that day.
‘Pulease, Bella.’
Bugger. He wasn’t going to give up, Bella thought, her mood dropping again. ‘Why should I?’
‘Come on, Bella,’ he pleaded in a singsong voice that wasn’t nearly as enticing as he probably imagined it to be. ‘I’ll never ask anything of you again. I’ll make sure you go to the top of my list of hand models in the future, too.’
‘For this you’d better,’ she said, the thought of further lucrative work from him helping to lower her resolve. ‘Anyway, where am I supposed to put her? My cottage is already full and…’ She was about to add that she had no idea where Megan could stay, when he spoke.
‘We’ll pay you, very well. It’s just for a few days. A week, tops.’
She realised that this could help Lexi out. Her cottages were almost certainly empty at this time of year, and both she and her friend needed extra cash. She pretended to consider his offer. ‘I’m not sure. How much were you willing to pay?’
He named a figure, then before she could answer, doubled it.
‘I’ll have to get back to you with the cost of the accommodation,’ she said. ‘If Megan wants to be inconspicuous, then you’ll need to ensure the other two cottages are kept empty.’
‘You’re a hard taskmaster to have, Bella. Do you know that?’ He sounded relieved and amused by her bartering with him.
‘Fine. Give me an hour to see what I can do and I’ll call you back. When would she be arriving?’
‘Private plane, 10 a.m. tomorrow.’
She could hear the smile in his voice. He must have given some indication to his girlfriend, who she had discovered was also Megan’s agent, that Bella had agreed because there was a loud triumphant whoop in the background.
She ended the call and grabbed her coat. ‘Won’t be long, Mum,’ she said as she ran out of the door.
* * *
‘Who?’ Lexi asked, looking as confused as Bella expected someone who didn’t read magazines or watch television to look.
‘She’s the latest reality TV star to hit the papers,’ she explained. ‘She was in a series called Love ’Em or Leave ’Em. I never watched it, but Betty loves it. Apparently, the contest—’
‘I don’t care,’ Lexi broke in. ‘I’m not having one of those weirdos staying at my cottages.’
She didn’t like to ask how Lexi could be so against Megan if she hadn’t even watched her on television. ‘They’re full then?’ she asked, knowing they weren’t. Lexi shook her head slowly, her short, black pixie haircut making her look nineteen, rather than twenty-nine. ‘And don’t tell me you couldn’t do with the cash.’
‘Why’s he paying you, if the girl is staying with me?’
‘Because I’m locating somewhere for her to stay. A sort of finder’s fee, if you like.’
Lexi widened her eyes. ‘Hah, good for you. But, if she’s any trouble you can come and sort her out.’
Relieved to have good news for Abel, Bella hugged her friend. ‘Thanks, Lex. I owe you one.’
‘Don’t be daft. You’ve done me a favour. Tell me what you know about her.’
‘I will,’ said Bella. ‘And I’ll tell you what I need you to do when she gets to Jersey.’
* * *
The following morning at 10.15 a.m., a car with blacked out windows dropped Megan at the fisherman’s cottages. Bella thought the least she could do for her friend was wait with her for Megan to arrive, and introduce them. She glanced at Lexi and could see that her friend was as anxious as she was to see how the next few days would pan out.
The driver parked the car and got out. He opened the rear door nearest Lexi and Bella and for a few seconds nothing happened. Bella wondered if maybe Megan had changed her mind about coming, but then reasoned that the driver wouldn’t have wasted his time coming here, if she had.
Eventually, a long spray-tanned leg appeared, followed by another one, and then the woman they’d both been waiting for.
‘She must have a month’s worth of make-up on and that’s just her legs,’ Lexi whispered. ‘If she’s supposed to be incognito, why all the slap?’
‘Shush, we’re supposed to be greeting her, not judging her,’ Bella said, wondering whether she’d done the right thing by agreeing to let Megan stay at the cottages.
‘I’m guessing not much happens around here,’ Megan said, pouting as she gazed at the three white-painted buildings before turning her back on them to look at the view. She appeared not to recognise Bella. ‘What’s down there?’ she asked, pointing towards the sea and the boardwalk running along in front of it.
Bella explained. ‘I live down there, in the blue cottage called The Bee Hive. There’s also the Summer Sundaes Beach Café, run by our friend Sacha, and the Isola Bella gelateria run by her boyfriend.’
‘Hmm.’
Lexi stepped forward, her hand outstretched. ‘Hi, I’m Lexi,’ she said. ‘These are my cottages and they’re all vacant, so you won’t be disturbed. I’ve made the middle one up for you.’
Megan ignored her outstretched hand and glared at the driver as he unloaded two huge suitcases, a smaller case and a designer handbag. ‘I suppose I’m stuck here now,’ she said, as he reversed the car onto the hill and drove away at speed.
‘It’s not so bad,’ Lexi said, frowning. ‘There’s wood for the log burner, so you’ll be nice and warm in the cottage and there’s a TV in there, too.’
Megan stared at her as if she was an idiot.
A spot of rain landed on Bella’s forehead. ‘Come along,’ she said, waving for Megan to follow. ‘Let’s get your things inside.’ She began dragging the first case into the cottage and Lexi followed with the second one. ‘Er, you can bring the rest of your stuff unless you want it to get wet.’
Lexi gave Bella a meaningful glance as they entered the cottage. ‘I foresee fun ahead,’ she said, not bothering to hide her dislike of her new guest.
Megan stomped in behind them, slamming her smaller case down in the tiny hallway. ‘How the hell am I supposed to stay here for the next few days? There is literally like nothing to do.’
Not wishing Lexi to get irritated and tell Megan to bugger off, Bella smiled and tried to jolly the other two along. ‘Let’s get your cases upstairs and then we can see about finding a way to keep you entertained.’
Two minutes later, as they struggled into the bedroom, there was a knock at the door.
‘They can’t have discovered me here already, surely?’ Megan appeared delighted at the prospect. ‘What will I say to them?’
Bella wasn’t sure who ‘they’ were, but went to find out. Lexi blocked the doorway. ‘No, it’s fine. You stay here and help your friend. I’ll see who it is.’
Hearing Jack’s deep voice downstairs, Bella’s mood immediately lifted.
‘Ooh, who’s that?’ Megan asked, leaving the room without waiting for Bella to reply. ‘Hi, my name’s Megan,’ Bella heard her saying seconds later, in a flirtatious tone.
By the time she’d reached the bottom of the stairs, Megan already had Jack’s right hand in a vice-like grip and was kissing him on the cheek. She seemed much happier.
Jack looked over her blonde head at Bella. ‘Your mum said you were up here and I needed to ask you something.’ He moved away from Megan, only for her to stand next to him again.
‘Looks like it might not be so boring, after all,’ she said, looking up at him under her false eyelashes.
Jack looked confused. ‘Er, Bella? Can I have a quick word?’
Amused to be the one rescuing him, she followed him outside. ‘What’s the matter?’
‘Was that what’s her name? From the papers? From the dating show?’
‘Yes, yes and yes.’
‘Why is she in Lexi’s cottage?’
Bella explained about Abel’s call for help. ‘It’s helping Lexi and me out of a tight spot financially,’ she said. ‘Mind you, I think we’re both going to have to work for it.’
‘You could be right. She looks a right handful. Um, that is…’
Bella laughed. ‘It’s fine, I know what you mean.’ She stood on tiptoes and whispered in his ear. ‘You’re right, she is.’
‘Poor Lex.’
‘Poor you, too,’ she said, enjoying teasing him.
‘What do you mean?’
‘You’re going to have to help Lexi and me entertain her.’ She raised her hand to stop him arguing. ‘We can’t leave Lexi to do this alone. You saw what Megan’s like, and you only met her for a few minutes, if that.’
He nodded. ‘Fine. What do you want me to do?’
‘We’ve got to stop her from going on social media. Her manager has arranged a hefty fee for an exclusive from her. Abel called again this morning and said that we’ve only got to do this until the interview tomorrow. Karina Pierce is the journalist coming to speak to Megan. She, her photographer and a stylist will be arriving with Megan’s manager on the red-eye tomorrow morning. They’ve sent Megan here today to keep her away from the paparazzi camping out at her mum’s home, where she’s been staying. We can relax after that.’
‘That’s no problem,’ he said, grinning at her.
‘What?’
‘I hope this is going to be as simple as you’re expecting,’ he said, shaking his head.
Bella frowned at him. ‘It’ll be fine. I’m going to ask Sacha to supply us with food and drink. Mum can come up later and take over from me and Lexi for a bit.’ She caught Jack laughing quietly. ‘I don’t know why you’re so amused, it’s you she’s taken a liking to, so she’s going to want you here as much as possible.’
‘I have my limits,’ he said. ‘Anyway, I promised Nicki I’d meet her in the pub later for a chat about something. She said it was important.’
Bella’s cheerful mood vanished. ‘Have you any idea what it could be about?’
He shook his head.
‘Come along, you two,’ Megan said, opening the front door and pretending to shiver. ‘It’s freezing out here.’
‘Then I guess you won’t want to come down to the boardwalk to stretch your legs for a bit?’ Jack said.
‘Like, yeah.’
He glanced at Bella. ‘I presume we’re all going?’
Not wishing to leave him to cope with Megan on her own, she zipped up her puffa jacket and smiled. ‘I wouldn’t miss it. You coming, Lexi?’
‘No, thanks,’ Lexi shouted from inside. ‘I’ll stay here.’
Bella didn’t blame her. She opened her mouth to say something to Megan who had disappeared inside, only to be almost bowled over by her when she flung the door open and ran out. She watched as Megan linked arms with Jack and hugged him close to her.
‘You’ll keep me warm, won’t you, Jack?’ she cooed.
Jack gave her an uncertain smile and looked back to find Bella. ‘You coming?’ he said, reaching out for her to take hold of his hand.
Relieved that he had thought of her, she took his hand in hers and linked arms with him, too. It was a little closer than she usually got to him, but on this occasion, it somehow didn’t seem odd. At least she wasn’t gazing up into his eyes. That would be out of character. For her, at least.
They walked down to the boardwalk. ‘I’d better pull my hood down to cover my face a bit,’ Megan said. ‘Don’t want no one spotting me. That journalist would create merry hell if I said the wrong thing to someone before she gets here.’ Bella tried to tune out while Megan rattled on about the money she was going to make and the bloke she was seeing. ‘He’s loaded,’ she heard her say. ‘And hot. Not my normal type. He’s more like you, Jack.’ Her voice softened once again.
‘What’s this man like then, Megan?’ Bella asked, assuming she should at least try to be friendly to the girl. ‘Where did you meet him?’
‘He’s a financier. Olly. Scottish, he is. Did I say he was worth a mint?’
‘Yes, I think so.’
‘We’ve only been seeing each other a week and a half, but we have a strong connection.’ Bella could not imagine what they had in common. ‘You know? Like you and me, Jack. I knew it as soon as our eyes met up.’
‘Aw well, I’ll have to be sure I don’t upset your boyfriend then, won’t I?’ Jack said, sounding relieved.
‘What he doesn’t know, and all that,’ Megan giggled. Jack glanced at Bella. ‘Come on, show me this beach of yours then,’ Megan said.
They reached the railings. Bella breathed in the cold, salty air, relishing the freshness. ‘I never get tired of this place.’
Megan looked as if she’d smelt something rotten. ‘I can see why it would be fun here in the summer, but it’s wet and nasty today. What is there to do?’
‘Jack surfs,’ Bella said. ‘Don’t you?’ She nudged him slightly.
‘Yes. The tide is too messy for surfing today. But when the waves are large, it’s incredible.’
‘That’s a shame, I wouldn’t mind you giving me a surfing lesson. In the summer when it’s hot, though. I can’t see myself in a bikini in weather like this,’ Megan said, glowering at the breaking waves and squawking seagulls.
‘Never mind,’ Jack said, widening his eyes at Bella, in relief.
‘Shall we walk on the beach?’ Bella asked.
‘Nah, you’re all right. Why don’t we go back up to the cottages and have something bubbly?’
It was better than nothing, Bella thought. ‘I’m not sure Lexi has anything bubbly in the fridge, but I can go and see if Sacha has a bottle of anything at the café, if you like?’
‘Go on then. Jack and I will meet you when you get back. You can sort out some food for us too, while you’re at it.’
Irritated by Megan’s rudeness, and assumption that she was going to be at her beck and call the entire time she was on the island, Bella bit her tongue. She was relieved to have time away from the ghastly girl and was careful not to look at Jack as she turned to leave them.
Sacha was behind the counter when Bella entered the café. ‘That’s the dreaded Megan, I presume?’ she whispered.
‘It is,’ said Bella. ‘She’s horrible, but it’s not for long.’
‘It’s still too long by the look on Jack’s face,’ Sacha giggled. ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’
Bella asked about some food and was delighted when Sacha brought out two bottles of champagne for her to take up to the cottage.
‘Lexi needs all the help she can get to keep money coming in,’ she said. ‘Things have gone downhill since her father was rude to some of his returning visitors.’
‘I heard about that a few weeks ago,’ said Bella. ‘Maybe you can come up to the cottage later, when you’ve closed the café?’
‘Will do. I can’t wait to meet Megan. I watched that show, mainly to see what she got up to next. She was really entertaining,’ Sacha said. ‘Mind you, it’s one thing watching someone on the telly, but another dealing with them in real life.’
Bella thought back to the half an hour she’d spent watching the first episode with Sacha. ‘You’re not kidding,’ she said, helping to pack two quiches, some salad, a cabbage loaf and the bottles of champagne in two baskets. ‘Blimey, these weigh a ton.’
‘I can bring one of them over later,’ Sacha said. ‘It’ll give me a reason to come up without looking like I’m inviting myself.’
‘Bring my mum with you, if she wonders where I am, will you?’ Bella didn’t want her mother to be left with nothing to do.
She thanked Sacha and made her way up the hill to the cottages. Reaching the front door, red-faced and hot after the exertion of carrying the baskets, she took a moment to compose herself.
Pressing the door handle awkwardly with her elbow, she could hear Nicki’s high-pitched voice arguing with Megan. She groaned quietly and walked in.
‘Listen to me, you little madam,’ Nicki shouted, pointing a manicured nail centimetres from Megan’s nose. ‘If I want to speak to my boyfriend, I don’t need your bloody permission to do so.’
‘Shuuuut uppp,’ Lexi bellowed. ‘That’s enough of the pair of you. This is my cottage. If you have an issue with Megan, who is my guest, then you need to be the one to leave.’
Bella pushed open the door into the open plan living room with its tiny kitchen area. ‘Supplies,’ she shouted, trying to distract them from their argument. She pushed the door closed with her bottom.
‘Oh, it’s you.’ Nicki sneered at her, eyes narrowed.
That wasn’t the reaction Bella had been hoping for. She glanced at Lexi, who hurried towards her relieving her of one of the baskets. ‘Champagne!’ she blew a kiss at Bella. ‘You’ve no idea how much I’m going to enjoy this.’
‘I think I have,’ Bella whispered, lifting her basket onto the small kitchen counter and starting to unpack. Lifting out a cabbage loaf, she turned and caught Nicki still staring at her. She looked as if she was waiting for a reaction. ‘Sorry, Nicki,’ she said, continuing to take out the rest of the produce. ‘You seemed to be irritated with me for some reason.’
‘Well, you’re the one who brought her here.’ She pointed over her shoulder at Megan, who was glaring at Nicki’s back, arms folded across her chest. ‘She’s been on the television for what, a couple of hours at most, and acts like she’s some sort of diva.’
Bella stopped what she was doing. ‘I’m sorry, I had no idea you even knew Megan, let alone that you two have some sort of issue with each other.’
‘I don’t know that cow,’ Megan said without moving.
Which was probably a good thing, Bella mused, as the room seemed rather full with the five of them in it. ‘Okay, so why all the drama then?’
‘I caught her getting off with Jack.’
Bella stopped what she was doing, her heart constricting with… what? Envy, jealousy, or was it simply disappointment in Jack? She certainly couldn’t blame Megan, especially as he was single, whatever Nicki was insinuating.
Bella cleared her throat and took the brownies Sacha had packed for them out of the basket without turning to face the others.
‘When did this happen? I’ve only been gone half an hour and Megan hasn’t been here very long.’
Megan pushed past Nicki and then Bella and flounced out of the living room and up the stairs, shouting, ‘Why won’t you listen to me? Nothing happened.’
‘She’s a bloody liar,’ Nicki snapped. ‘I know what I saw. If I hadn’t been walking up from the boardwalk, I wouldn’t have seen them all over each other, on the doorstep.’
Lexi put everything away in the two small cupboards. ‘Nicki, whatever you saw, you aren’t seeing Jack any more, so I really don’t understand what it’s got to do with you, or why you think you’ve got the right to barge into one of my cottages and shout at my guest.’ She walked to the front door and opened it, waving for Nicki to leave. ‘I think it’s time you left Megan to settle in, don’t you?’
Recalling that Megan’s visit was supposed to be a secret until after the interview, Bella ran to join them and explained. ‘Please keep her visit to yourself, won’t you?’
Nicki shook her head. ‘I’ll do what I damn well choose.’
Bella and Lexi stood on the doorstep and watched Nicki marching down the hill towards the hotel.
‘Bugger,’ Bella said. ‘I have a feeling that Megan’s secret visit will soon be common knowledge.’
‘So do I.’
Bella sighed. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll go and see if Megan’s okay. I know she’s a bit of a pain, but Nicki can be fierce, and she didn’t deserve an attack like that.’
She decided it was her responsibility to soothe any bruised egos. She was the one who had got them all involved in the magazine-shoot issues. She reached Megan’s bedroom and knocked lightly on the door. ‘Megan, are you okay?’
Hearing sobbing, Bella opened the door slowly and peered into the room. Megan was sitting on the bed, stifling her sobs with the pillow.
She spotted Bella and threw the pillow behind her, wiping at her eyes. ‘What are you doing in here?’
‘I knocked first,’ Bella said, surprised to see the younger girl hurrying to hide her distress. ‘Nicki’s gone now. Why don’t you come downstairs? It’s only Lexi and me down there now.’ She took a clean tissue from the box on the small dressing table and handed it to Megan.
She blew her nose before standing up to check her reflection in the mirror. ‘I look horrendous.’
Bella didn’t like to agree, but her cheeks were awash with mascara. ‘Take a few minutes to sort yourself out and I’ll open one of those bottles of bubbly.’
‘It’s only lunchtime, too. You do live dangerously on this island.’
Her sarcasm didn’t worry Bella. ‘Only occasionally.’ Her glimpse into Megan’s fragility had surprised her. Maybe there was more to this defensive girl, after all. She didn’t like the fact that she had been so quick to judge Megan as hard and unfeeling. ‘I’ll see you downstairs then.’
‘How is she?’ Lexi asked when Bella joined her in the kitchenette.
‘Crying like she’s heartbroken. It was upsetting to see.’
Lexi took the cabbage loaf out of its white paper bag and slammed it onto the counter. ‘I think you need to have a word with Nicki, or I can. She’s very quick to assume we all want what she’s got.’ Bella didn’t reply. ‘You okay?’
She nodded. ‘I think I might have misjudged Megan, you know?’
Lexi stared at her briefly. ‘I think you’re overtired or something. Now, help me make some sandwiches. I don’t want this loaf to go to waste.’ She cut neat slices and handed them to Bella to butter. ‘I thought ham and a few cheese and tomato.’
Bella vaguely heard her speaking and did as she suggested, but couldn’t get the sight of Megan out of her mind. ‘I think that maybe Jack should be the one to approach Nicki about what happened today. After all, he is her ex and was the one supposedly caught kissing Megan. He should be the one to put things right.’
‘I agree,’ Lexi said, washing and drying the knife before putting it back into the drawer. ‘She doesn’t seem to like you much anyway, so I doubt she’ll entertain anything you’ve got to say.’
‘True.’ Bella placed the sandwiches on a plate and took three smaller ones from the cupboard overhead. ‘Though I’m not sure why she’s so odd with me. It’s not as if I’ve been caught kissing Jack.’ More’s the pity, she thought.
‘She probably doesn’t like your closeness,’ Lexi said, grabbing three champagne glasses. ‘You two are like little besties nowadays.’
They both looked up as Megan entered the room. Bella couldn’t believe how immaculate she looked. Her eyes weren’t even puffy. It was as if she’d imagined it all.
She caught Lexi looking at her questioningly as she placed a tea towel over the top of the champagne bottle, gripping it tightly as she turned it, until the cork was released with a popping sound.
‘Are you feeling better?’ Bella asked Megan.
‘I’m fine now. She took me by surprise, that’s all.’ She gave a brief smile. ‘I didn’t, you know.’
‘What?’
‘Kiss Jack.’ She waited while Lexi poured the champagne into the glasses and took one. ‘Thanks.’ Turning her attention back to Bella, she added, ‘I don’t care what that cow thinks of me, but you’ve been kind to me and I didn’t want you to think that I had.’
Bella was relieved to hear it. ‘Let’s get comfortable and make the most of this lovely champagne.’
After several minutes enjoying their extra special lunch, Megan said, ‘I want to apologise for being such a bitch at the photo shoot. I know it’s no excuse, but I’m exhausted since coming off the show. My manager said that I have to make the most of my fifteen minutes of fame, so she’s accepting everything that’s being offered to me. It makes sense, I suppose, but I’ve been desperate for some time away from it all.’
Bella could see now how vulnerable Megan was. She was nothing more than a frightened girl, trying not to miss any opportunity that came her way.
‘Then why not treat this brief stay on the island as a mini break? It’s peaceful here.’ She laughed. ‘When you haven’t got visitors and people giving you a hard time.’
‘Yes, we’ll show you around a bit but let you have a lie in and catch up with some sleep,’ Lexi said, wiping her mouth with a sheet of kitchen roll. ‘I’m staying next door at the moment,’ she said, pointing in the direction of the cottage on the left. ‘I’ll do my best to ensure you’re left alone when you want to be and you can always come to mine for a chat, if Bella is working.’
‘That’s so kind,’ Megan said, her eyes welling up again.
‘I didn’t mean to upset you,’ Lexi said, taking Megan’s empty glass and refilling it. She widened her eyes at Bella.
Unsure what to do, Bella cleared her throat. It occurred to her that maybe Megan was missing her family, or lonely without any familiar people around her. ‘I know we didn’t get off to the best of starts but you are with friends here. We’ll look out for you, if that’s what’s bothering you.’
‘You don’t understand,’ Megan sniffed. ‘Since being out of the programme it’s like everyone I meet wants a piece of me. It’s been horrible and not at all like I expected being a celeb would be. You two, and Jack, have been the first people to be kind to me and not want something back.’
Surprised to hear her being so open, Bella smiled. ‘That’s good to know. Well, not the bit about everyone being horrible, but the bit about us.’
‘Yes,’ agreed Lexi. ‘Treat this place like your home while you’re here and chill.’
There was a knock on the door.
Megan stood up. ‘I’ll get it. If it’s that Nicki, I’ll give her a mouthful.’ She smiled at the others. ‘I’m feeling much better now.’ She walked to the door and opened it.
‘Is Bella here?’
Recognising her mother’s voice, Bella shouted, ‘It’s okay, you can let her in!’
‘I’m her mother,’ she heard Claire say to Megan. ‘Sorry to barge in, but I—’ She gazed around the cramped living room. ‘Am I missing a party?’
‘No, Mum. Anyway, why are you here?’ After all she had said to Megan, she didn’t want her thinking that the entire village was going to invite themselves to the cottage.
‘You’re Bella’s mum? That’s amazing,’ Megan said, shaking her hand.
There was another knock. ‘I wonder who this is?’ Megan said, grinning as she went to answer it.
‘Sorry, we didn’t mean for your stay to be like this,’ Lexi said, pulling a face at Bella.
‘It’s fine. This is like being back at home with my family, I like it.’ They waited as she opened the door. ‘Oh, it’s you.’
By the flirtatious tone of her voice, Bella assumed it was Jack. She was right.
‘Hi, I was… bloody hell, am I missing a party?’
‘No,’ Lexi and Bella said in unison.
‘We’ve finished the first bottle,’ Lexi said. ‘We thought we should keep the second one for later, in case Sacha joined us.’
Jack grinned. ‘I wasn’t hinting about the booze. I came to tell you that Nicki found me and gave me a mouthful about, well, about you,’ he said to Megan. ‘I wanted you to know that I’ve put her straight. There’s no need to worry about it happening again. I’m sorry about that,’ he said. ‘She can be a bit overbearing sometimes.’
‘I’d call it ignorant and rude,’ Megan replied, showing the side of her that Bella recognised best. ‘I hope she’s going to apologise.’
‘I told her she should, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. I’ll do it on her behalf.’
‘Thank you,’ Megan said, sounding genuinely pleased.
‘Right, I’d better go. Nicki said she had something she needed to discuss with me and, as much as I’d rather stay here and chat to you all, I’d better go. Otherwise, she’ll probably come up here looking for me again and I doubt any of you want that.’
‘No, we don’t.’ Lexi laughed.
‘Have I missed something?’ Claire asked.
Someone’s mobile rang. After a moment where the four of them checked their phones, Megan stood up and waved her mobile in the air. ‘My manager,’ she said, leaving the room and going back upstairs.
‘I’ll tidy this lot. You can get off if you like, Bella,’ Lexi said. ‘I’m sure you have loads to get on with. We can always meet back here later. I’ll check with Megan what she wants to do when she’s off the phone and let you know.’
‘Great. Come along then, Mum,’ said Bella. ‘You sure you don’t want me to help wash up?’
‘No, you two get on.’
Bella and Claire shivered as they stepped outside, both doing up their jackets and pushing their hands deep into their pockets.
‘It’s freezing,’ Claire grumbled as they began walking down to the boardwalk.
‘Almost,’ Bella said. She couldn’t stop worrying about Jack and wondered if Nicki was going to tell him about her wedding plans. She should have pre-warned him. Why hadn’t she gone with her gut instinct and done so?
‘What’s the matter with you?’ Claire asked, linking arms with her. ‘You look very pensive today. ‘Is it something I can help you with?’
Bella shook her head. ‘It’s nothing, don’t worry.’
Claire pulled her to a stop and studied her face. ‘I know there’s something troubling you.’
‘It’s a secret,’ she said, aware that her mother wouldn’t give up until she said something. ‘I’ve been sworn to secrecy.’
‘What did you promise exactly?’
‘Mum, it’s nothing and I’m fine. Honestly.’
Bella tugged Claire’s arm gently, forcing her mum to continue walking with her.
‘You do know that it helps to share a problem.’
‘There’s no problem,’ she said, tired of the questioning. ‘At least not for me.’
Claire pulled her to a stop again.
‘Mum, I can’t tell you, so leave it. Please.’
‘No, I won’t. You’re worrying me. I won’t drop the matter until I know what’s going on.’
Bella sighed. She knew when she was beaten. ‘Fine, but you’ve got to promise not to tell anyone. Okay?’
‘Cross my heart,’ she said, winking at Bella triumphantly. ‘Who knows, I might already have been told whatever it is that’s worrying you.’
‘I doubt it.’ Bella shivered. ‘I’ll tell you while we walk home.’ She proceeded to tell her mother everything that Jools’ grandmother had overheard. It wasn’t easy. She hated betraying a confidence, but in this case, she held no loyalty to Nicki and did care, very much, that Jack was being lied to.
‘What do you think?’ she asked, after giving her mother time to contemplate what she’d told her. ‘Should I tell Jack?’
‘Do you want to?’
‘Yes.’
‘Then do it.’