Page 92 of The Summer Island Swap
‘Yes. No. Of course not.’
Amy exhaled and paced up and down.
‘You and I, we’re a team, Amy. Us together forever. That’s the way it’s always been and always will be. And Nelly is a fantastic cat but she couldn’t argue with you about which Netflix series is best or…’
Amy stopped walking around and faced me. ‘I think you should do it.’ She folded her arms. ‘I was joking back there, about cats and me going crazy. You’ll never get another opportunity like this. To set up a luxury hotel from its very beginning – how would you get on board a project like that in London, with no direct experience? And if you aren’t happy living on Seagrass Island eventually, just think what your input here will look like on your CV back in England. It will really set you up to get a high-end job anywhere in the country.’
‘What about you, living on your own? Then there’s university next year…’
‘Financially, in terms of the mortgage, I’m guessing things probably wouldn’t change much, depending on your wage here, right? Unless you thought we should sell up and—’
‘No, it’s our home, Amy, and I’ve already discussed that with Margot. I’d not consider her offer for a second if I wasn’t earning at least as much as I was at Best Travel. And with your studies next year I could help out as, on this island, my living expenses aren’t going to be nearly as high as back in London. Not that I’m seriously mulling over moving abroad,’ I added quickly. ‘I mean me, living amongst tarantulas and scorpions?’
Amy raised an eyebrow. ‘What, exactly, is stopping you?’
You. Us. Me worrying.
‘Sarah,’ she said gently,’ I’m a big girl now. I could study in London. Find a student who’d like to move in with me for the company, and to help with costs. I’m hoping Paws & Claws will give me some casual hours, to fit in with my studies once I’ve started.’ Her mouth upturned. ‘Nelly would love having someone new around to pet her – or rather new servants. Plus I’d visit when I could. You could come back to England. We’ve got Skype. Social media. The phone. As you know, next summer I’m hoping to come over here to help Jackie again. I can forward your belongings on when I get back at the end of next week.’
‘I don’t know.’
‘Then there’s you and Rick,’ she said. ‘You can’t pretend that’s not a factor.’
‘What if it didn’t work out?’
‘No point projecting into the future. What will be will be. There’s no way of knowing but that’s no reason not to give it a chance.’
I shook my head. ‘How come you’re so wise?’
She took my hand. ‘I learnt from the best. You deserve this, sis. Yes, I’ll miss you but I’ve got my life to lead. You trust me, don’t you? To live my own life? To look after Nelly? To make this work?’
I looked down at our hands, fingers intertwined. Petite and slim, hers reminded me of Mum’s.
I lifted my head. ‘I do trust you, completely Amy. I know you’ll manage. More than that – you’ll thrive. And if you don’t… ifeitherof us are struggling, we’re still there for each other. The miles in between us won’t matter – right?’
Beaming, she nodded.
‘I should feel insulted – you seem almost pleased to see the back of me.’ I smiled, a tiny, needy, unsure part of me left over from my childhood wondering if that was the case.
She cupped both of her hands around one of mine. Her voice sounded thick when she replied. ‘Part of me is. I’ve always felt as if I’ve held you back, even though I know you would never see it like that. It feels liberating for me to see you break free from the responsibilities you had to take on. I’m going to miss you so much – but in a good way, knowing that you are following your dreams… as I will be. And the thought of some independence… it’s nothing against you, but that does sound exciting. Does all of that make sense?’
I couldn’t speak and simply kissed her cheek.
‘You really like Margot, don’t you?’
‘She’s so easy to talk to. We just seem to click.’
Footsteps sounded. We both turned towards the house.
Long legs. Broad shoulders. Spiked hair.
‘Are you coming in?’ called Rick as he stopped by one of the cacao trees.
Rick and chocolate-making – that was one irresistible combination. Amy was happy. Nelly would be looked after. I clicked with Margot and felt that friendship would grow. The island had found a way into my heart with its unassuming, natural beauty – as had dear, sweet Chatty with that cheeky blond face.
I reached up my hand and ruffled his fur.
‘Talk to Rick, Sarah. Tell him you’re staying. I’ll see you inside.’ Amy strode into the house.
