Page 57 of The Summer Island Swap
‘Of course you could. Seriously. And I wouldn’t need paying. If it got me out of cleaning the compost toilets, that’s worth more than any fee.’
Margot smiled briefly.
‘There is something special about Seagrass Island. It inspires such passion in Rick. If there’s any way I can help boost his conservation project and protect the island’s ecosystem… if there’s any way I can help such a well-respected brand as Crocker & Crowley, well… I’m totally up for it.’
‘How would we advertise?’
‘I’ve already subscribed to a load of holiday magazines and websites for the research I’ve been doing, back home. I know exactly where to place ads. The ones online could go up quickly. It would all be a little haphazard for the rest of this season, but if things went reasonably well, you’d have the winter months to really pull the plan together.’
‘Okay. Let me think about it. I can’t get my head around the idea of strangers living there.’
‘The conservation volunteers are already here. What’s the difference? And… forgive me for saying this but—’
‘Go on. Remember. This is business. I won’t take it personally.’
A sense of worth infused my body. I used to enjoy that sensation when Amy was little and I could solve her problems.
‘What choice have you got?’ I said, firmly. ‘You can’t be precious about this. It’s not as if Seagrass Island is your main home. Sometimes we all have to make decisions that are difficult in the short term but necessary for a shinier future.’
Life had taught me the right decisions often didn’t bow to sentimentality.
‘Have you set out this idea in writing?’ she asked.
I nodded. Yes. It was in my nature. I’d already drawn up a plan on paper whilst brainstorming.
‘Could you email it to Lee? Then he, myself and Rick can discuss it.’
Lee? Oh crap. What was Rick going to think about that?
‘Of course, I mean, if you really think…’
She gave me the address and at her request I sent the file over straightaway.
‘Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,’ she said. ‘This solution has great potential. Lately the family has suffered such difficult times… but I sense you know all about those, from personal experience.’
‘Things… haven’t been easy since my mum died.
‘Has it been long?’
‘I was eleven. Had just started high school. Amy, my younger sister, was seven.’
She gave an understanding nod.
‘I soon realised I had to leave home as soon as I could and work towards providing a solid base for Amy. I was only eighteen. It meant leaving her behind, along with the precious memories of Mum in the house I grew up in.’
‘It sounds as if you were very, very brave.’
My eyes pricked.
‘Maybe I was brave – and that’s what you need to be here.’
‘Sarah!’
Rick. He was calling my name.
‘Please excuse me for a minute – I think your grandson is back.’
I went outside and climbed down the steps. Rick stood by the pool – with Carlotta. She gave me a warm smile before placing her hand on Rick’s arm and whispered something in his ear. He laughed.
