Page 7 of An Island Promise

‘So, how did the award ceremony go?’ Hannah asked the moment their drinks had been brought over.

‘Like a dream.’ Belle raised her glass of lemonade. They were sitting opposite each other at the end of a long communal table with flattering overhead lighting that highlighted Hannah’s trademark red lips. ‘The ceremony itself went without a hitch and Bill Nighy hosting was such a hit?—’

‘Oh God, I’d love to meet him.’

‘He was utterly charming; you’d have loved him even more than you already do. And the dinner and party afterwards, honestly, I couldn’t have asked for more. It was the perfect way for me to bow out.’

Hannah suddenly leaned forward, her eyes wide. ‘Oh my God, the job interview! I totally forgot. How did it go?’

‘It’s actually the reason I suggested meeting this evening. I was offered the job.’

Hannah’s squeal was cut short by the waiter bringing over their pizzas. Grinning, she shook her head and sat back in her chair.

‘I am made up for you, I really am, but it’s Ibiza,’ she said once the waiter had left. ‘You’re going to be so far away.’

Belle picked up a slice of her chargrilled aubergine and smoked mozzarella pizza. ‘That’s the point, to get away. It’s been difficult and so awkward since I ended things with Isaac. I’ve always loved going to work but recently I’ve been dreading it.’

‘I know it’s been challenging, but you breaking up with someone shouldn’t have to impactyourcareer.’

‘But the job in Ibiza is actually a great opportunity. It’s different, but I think it’ll do me good.’

Hannah took a bite of her creamy spinach and parmesan pizza. ‘I’m just selfishly wishing nothing was changing and you could carry on living in London and working harmoniously with Isaac.’

Belle studied Hannah. ‘How’s still living with your ex-husband going?’

Hannah pursed her lips and raised her glass of lemonade. ‘Touché.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Belle said. ‘I know my situation is completely different because Isaac and I didn’t even live together – at least not properly. We were never serious. Although judging by his reaction, he obviously felt differently. We weren’t going anywhere. I refuse to settle just to be with someone.’

‘It’s good you know your own mind but breaking up with someone, quitting your jobandmoving to another country in a short space of time is a lot. Not many people would be able to do what you’ve done.’

‘I just need to get away. You’ve been understanding about me and Isaac but most people including my parents and some other friends don’t get it because they thought he was perfect. On paper maybe.’ Belle tapped the left side of her chest. ‘In here, not so much.’

‘Well,’ Hannah said, swallowing a mouthful of pizza, ‘if anyone understands that, it’s me.’

Belle nodded, hesitant to ask the question because she could so easily have found herself in Hannah’s position if she’d made different choices. ‘Do you regret marrying Jake?’

‘No, because I loved him and we got married for the right reasons. It just didn’t work out. Like you and Isaac, our feelings for each other weren’t strong enough to weather the ups and downs. Although him cheating ended it. The problem is having a mortgage together. Working in London and trying to find somewhere affordable separately is a nightmare. Living together while not being together like you just pointed out is shit. How the hell we’re supposed to move on mentally, emotionally and physically is beyond me. I mean, what happens if I meet someone else and want to bring them home?’

‘I guess you don’t at the moment. Not ideal, I know, but it won’t be forever.’ Belle paused. ‘But I do have a suggestion for a short-term fix if you’re interested.’ Belle finished a mouthful of smoky pizza and explained how she didn’t want to leave her house empty for months. ‘So if you can come to some agreement with Jake, and you’re okay paying me just enough to cover the bills, then you’re welcome to stay at mine until I’m back.’

‘Oh my God! Are you serious?’ Hannah practically launched herself out of the chair. ‘That would be amazing; I’m sure Jake will jump at the chance. Not that I should care what he thinks.’

‘As long as you don’t mind being the one to move out temporarily?’

‘Into your place? Are you kidding me? It’s closer to work, I’ll have a garden throughout the summer and no grumpy ex to try and avoid day in, day out.’ She practically squealed. ‘Sounds perfect. Rather like you avoiding working with your ex and escaping to Ibiza for the summer…’

‘I really am, aren’t I? You’re the first person I’ve told because I knew you’d be happy for me.’

‘I am, and not just because I get to stay in your lovely flat and you’re saving me from more awkwardness and stress. Why haven’t you told Gem and Laurie though? I thought they’d be the first to know.’

Belle shrugged and watched the guy working behind the marbled counter flip some pizza dough. ‘I’ll tell them when I see them on the weekend.’

‘You’ve not talked to them recently?’

‘I don’t tend to talk to Gem properly unless we actually see each other, just the odd text every so often. I’ve given up really, because if I tell her about an exciting event I’m working on she’s quick to change the subject; and if I tell her about something that’s gone wrong or I’m upset about she rolls her eyes like I have no right to moan.’

‘Do you think she’s jealous?’

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