Page 15 of An Island Promise

Belle curled up on the beanbag in the courtyard garden with a glass of chilled lemonade while they chatted about work and how they were both getting on.

‘I can’t even begin to explain the absolute relief of not having to share a space with Jake and be civil all the bloody time,’ Hannah said with a relieved sigh.

‘Ditto. Not having to see Isaac at work has been good for me – freeing. I hadn’t realised quite how wound up and stressed I was about everything.’

‘We’ve both escaped the hell of failed relationships, although I think you may have lucked out in Ibiza. Is it everything you hoped for?’

‘It’s only been a week so it almost feels like I’m on holiday – a working holiday, mind. But sandals and bare legs and getting to feel sand between my toes every day is pretty special.’

‘I’m trying not to be insanely jealous right now. It’s raining here and I’m snuggled up on your sofa in my PJs and a jumper – you’d think it was March rather than June.’

Belle smiled and gazed up at candyfloss-pink streaking the darkening sky after a perfect sunny day. ‘I won’t torture you by describing what I’m looking at then.’

‘Please don’t.’ Belle heard the smile in Hannah’s voice. ‘I adore your place, although the downside is being on my own. I’m not used to it.’

‘It’s a massive adjustment, even more so after a breakup even if you were desperate to have your own space. But you’ll gain so much from the freedom of being able to focus on just you for a while.’

‘I just wish you were here, house sharing again like when we first moved to London. Life back then was so much easier. Stress-free and happy.’

‘Maybe for you.’ Belle’s stomach clenched, her reply more cutting than she’d intended.

‘Oh God, I really didn’t mean to remind you about what happened,’ Hannah said softly. ‘I’m just talking about the good things when we lived together – the late-night chats and brunchat Mulligans; being lucky to find such a good friend when I was scared shitless about moving to London by myself and starting my first proper publishing job.’

‘I felt the same way too, it’s just everything back then was overshadowed by the accident.’

‘Which is why I’m selfishly wishing we were living together now. A chance to relive the good times without all the crappy stuff. Although I for one have a hell of a lot more emotional baggage.’

Unlike Hannah, she’d never become so invested in a relationship she couldn’t easily get out of when things went wrong or got too serious.

‘Anyway,’ Hannah continued, ‘it’s probably a good thing living by myself and getting used to my own company because jumping into another relationship is the last thing I need. And however much I miss you, I’m sure Ibiza is doing you good.’

Hannah was right about that, Belle reflected once they’d said goodbye. She was right about not jumping into another relationship too. The change of country called for a change of attitude, and concentrating on herself without overcomplicating things with romance was definitely the way forward.

The weather heated up during the first couple of weeks in June and Belle settled into a new rhythm of living and working on Ibiza. The events and marketing team was small but worked like a finely oiled machine. Giada and Miguel were both efficient and capable, plus she had the use of Spirit’s and Serenity’s staff for the events as well.

The summer events were fixed in the diary, with three weddings at Serenity alongside numerous private parties at bothlocations. Those were the sort of events she could do with her eyes closed, and they were on a far smaller scale than the banquets and award ceremonies she’d managed back in London. So it was actually the one-off events and day trips for Spirit’s guests that Belle initially loved the most because she went along to get a greater understanding of the island, which would enable her to promote the experiences to future guests. With a food tour in Ibiza Town, the option of a day spa retreat or horse riding in San Carlos, and wine tasting at Ibizkus winery not far from Santa Eulalia, Belle ended up playing as hard as she worked.

It was the contrasting sides of Ibiza she found fascinating. In the little time she had off, she didn’t return to San Antonio or head to bustling Ibiza Town, but with the use of Cara’s car she escaped to places like Cala Salada. Although it was just north of San Antonio, it seemed like another world with the sand lapped by emerald water, the rugged cliffs hugged by shady trees.

When it came to work and her new role, she appreciated Caleb’s hands-off approach which allowed her time to get settled. He was always available to answer any questions and point her in the right direction, but without feeling the need to hover over her. They got into the habit of checking in with each other every couple of days and she found herself looking forward to having a quick drink with him while they debriefed. It was a chance to share ideas and explore new ones. Her work colleagues were friendly but they went home at the end of the day to their families. Not knowing anyone else, she began to realise her day brightened when she saw Caleb; she wanted to prove herself and make him proud.

As her time on Ibiza rolled into her third week, apart from a few messages in their WhatsApp group chat about organising their holiday in July, Gem’s lack of communication was noticeable. And the next time she spoke to Laurie after anevening stroll along Santa Eulalia’s seafront promenade, Belle had to ask the question that had been bugging her.

‘Have you heard from Gem or is it just me she’s ignoring?’

‘I wouldn’t take it personally.’ Laurie sighed. ‘Apart from a good luck message before my embryo collection, I haven’t heard from her. But then completely out of the blue, this morning a gorgeous bunch of flowers arrived with a lovely note from her saying “thinking about you”. I’m not sure she knows how to actually talk to me at the moment.’

‘Or is worried about saying the wrong thing again, so is showing she cares in another way.’ Belle’s annoyance that she hadn’t heard from Gem dissipated, knowing she’d at least been thinking about Laurie. ‘So, how did yesterday go?’

‘They put one embryo back.’ Laurie took a long deep breath. ‘So there’s hope, but I hate this bit. I’m just emotionally exhausted. I’m done with the injections, the procedures, the discomfort, and apart from these horrible pessaries it’s just a two-week waiting game now. That’s the most terrifying bit of it all.’

‘You’ve got this, Laurie. You’ve come so far and done so well.’

‘I’ve taken a few days off work and Ade is taking me out for a meal and to the theatre this weekend. He only told me this morning.’

‘Oh bless, he’s a keeper.’

‘Yeah, I know.’ Although tiredness wound through Laurie’s words, Belle could hear the love too. ‘Enough about me. How are you doing?’

---