Page 36 of The Summer Island Swap
Chatty climbed back up onto Rick’s shoulder and wrapped his tail and arms around his head. My hand followed him and he nestled his cheek in my palm.
‘Thanks again for today,’ Rick said. ‘Your comments about the website were really useful. I’ve discussed them with Jackie and she agrees. I don’t know why we’ve never had a page for volunteer stories.’
I’d decided to help him, thanks to the bereavement counselling I’d once had. Anabelle might not have been a great stepmother but I’d always be grateful to her for visiting me, those first years when I moved out, even though it was only a couple of times a year. She’d arrive with a food hamper. It was unsaid between us that Dad didn’t know she was there. She’d suggested I get counselling, and told me that losing my mum at an early age was a traumatic thing.
I didn’t consider it until my first Christmas on my own, alone in the bed and breakfast. Dad hadn’t invited me to the celebration at his house. Loss, at many levels, hit me hard. I went to bed for two days and saw my doctor the following week. A month later I had my first session with Elaine.
The thing she taught me that resonated most was not to hold onto resentments. I hadn’t realised how angry I was, deep down, that Mum had left me and Amy. And I was angry at Anabelle for not standing up more to Dad. Elaine helped me let go of that.
Over the years that perspective helped me cope with Prue. And in this instance, it helped me give assistance to Rick. Elaine taught me how holding onto grudges would harm me the most, in the end.
However, her advice wouldneverchange my view of Dad. He’d hurt Amy as well as me. I could never forgive him for that.
‘It could also be useful for you, getting everyone to fill in a questionnaire before they leave, with honest opinions. Feedback is everything – in my opinion anyway.’
Rick raised an eyebrow.
‘Prue. My boss. I suggested a feedback box at reception, for customers to write down their comments and submit anonymously. She dismissed the idea outright – said the only thing that mattered was the hotel meetingherexacting standards.’
‘Well, I certainly appreciate your input. Jackie and I also both agree it is a good idea to extend the gallery of online photos.’
‘Yes. To some crazy people, the outside of the shacks, on stilts, could look kind of cute…’
He smiled.
‘For the browser to get a real feel for the accommodation you’ll need a shot of the inside as well. And there are no photos of the compost toilets. They would impress real environmentalists but at the same time weed out potential volunteers who think this place is going to be more comfortable.’
‘Same with the kit list,’ he said. ‘I think you’re right. We need to explain why the items are important instead of just listing them. Like the long-sleeve shirts. One volunteer thought we just put that to keep off the sun so she ignored it because she was keen to get a tan. She hadn’t realised those sleeves are actually to protect people from bites as well.’
I waved across the room to Amy. Her forehead looked burnt. I’d have to remind her, tomorrow, to make sure she wore her cap at all times. She placed her hands over her face, pretending to sob as she lost the game of chess. Benedikt laughed and pulled her fingers away, challenging her to another match. A humorous, sulky expression crossed her face, so he started singing ‘Let It Go’ fromFrozen. For some reason it was Jonas who looked as if he’d been beaten.
‘There is something else,’ I said.
‘You’re not going to start charging me, are you?’ said Rick and consulted his watch, ‘because I’m timing you in case you do so by the minute.’
‘Don’t give me ideas – although I am something of an expert, having done a basic course in website design once.’ I smiled. It was when I first lived on my own. I wasn’t near my old neighbourhood or old friends. The evenings were lonely so, with the help of my counselling, I forced myself to be proactive and found a reasonably priced evening course that would add to my skillset. Recently I’d helped the vet’s where Amy works set up a blog. ‘First off, I’d say your website looks… complicated. You could do with simplifying the pages. Making them cleaner and more user-friendly. I’m happy to help.’
‘That’s really decent of you.’
I shrugged, wondering if he meant it or if he was only being nice because he needed my assistance. I wasn’t going to hold a grudge, but that didn’t mean I was going to jump straight into thinking we could suddenly be good friends.
Although I had to admit, his sincerity about conservation was kind of appealing. Of course his looks were striking – nothing like the men from my past. Take Callum – he had the neatest hair. A sedate demeanour. Was attractive in a wholesome way. I’d always considered myself lucky to be going out with him. He had the loveliest smile and treated me well but our kisses never set me alight. I liked that because he felt safe. However, in the end patient Callum accused me ofmaking dowith him.
It was a horrible accusation. I’d vehemently denied it, upset at the thought that I’d upset him. He’d be the perfect catch for someone. Just not me.
I wasn’t interested in finding a seductive, six-pack, mesmerising Mr Perfect. On purpose I’d looked for a Mr Won’t Sweep You Off Your Feet – but Callum proved that came with its own challenges.
However, Rick… Perhaps it was the carefree island vibe that weakened my guard. We were only a couple of days in but already the basic nature of the site made me feel that civilisation, the normal rules I lived by, were part of some other life.
‘Your brand… it doesn’t come across really strongly on the website,’ I continued. ‘You call this venture Seagrass Conservation and that title is all well and good – it’s solid and serious and this is a trip for people determined to do their bit for the environment. But the website is missing something brighter and lighter to pull people in – and I might have the solution…’
‘I’m all ears,’ he said as Chatty had started tickling his ear again.
I jerked my head at the monkey. ‘That little man there. Make him the face of your brand. Create a cartoon image and have him on the website with speech bubbles containing sound bites relevant to each page. Plus an actual video of the real him – perhaps with one of you showing the viewer the animal enclosures, with Chatty on your shoulder…’
Rick didn’t respond but at least he didn’t suck in his breath and frown like Prue used to.
‘Sell simple merchandise. Key rings. Fridge magnets – maybe small plush monkeys wearing T-shirts saying Chatty. You could easily find a manufacturer of personalised toys on the internet. People go mad for buying mementos and gifts.’
