Page 68 of Secrets and Seashells at Rainbow Bay
‘Aw, don’t fret it,’ Benji says, putting his book down and coming over to me. ‘We all have our off days.’ He puts his arm around me, and the simple act feels only comforting as he pulls me closer. ‘How about I pop downstairs and make you that cup of tea – lots of sugar this morning?’
‘Two will be plenty, thanks.’
‘Two it is. Too early for a fry-up?’
I pull a face. ‘Yeah, I’m not quite up to that just yet.’
‘I thought so. Back in a jiffy.’
I go back over to the open window and breathe in the fresh sea air that’s filtering steadily through it, and my queasiness is eased temporarily.
I hate being a burden to people, but that’s just what I feel like I’d been last night. I should have limited myself to a couple of drinks, but then I would have offended people, and I hate doing that too.
Who would have thought that my biggest dilemma so far since taking on this castle would be accepting drinks from the locals down the village pub!
‘One cup of builders’ tea,’ Benji says, appearing at the top of the stairs with two mugs. ‘Here, get that down you; you might start to feel a bit more normal again then.’
I sip slowly on the mug of tea.
‘Talking of builders, do you know some of Bill’s gang are in this morning?’ Benji says amiably.
‘On a Saturday?’
‘Yup, apparently they’re running a bit behind.’
‘I knew it!’
‘Don’t get your knickers in a twist – the red ones,’ Benji winks, and I grimace, that’s exactly the colour I’d been wearing last night. ‘They’re only a day or two behind. That’s why they’re working over the weekend to get back on schedule. I’ve never seen such well-behaved builders. You certainly have them under control.’
I shrug. ‘I made it very clear to Bill that the work must not over-run, and that we will be opening on the thirtieth of June come what may. Otherwise there will be penalties.’
Benji salutes. ‘Yes, sir! Whatever you say,sir!’
‘Funny,’ I reply drolly. ‘It’s important we get this new venture up and running as soon as possible.’
‘Yeah, I know. I think you’ve done a marvellous job since you got here, actually – you’ve really stepped up.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Change isn’t easy to implement, especially in somewhere as old as this. I think everyone has taken it really well.’
‘Perhaps,’ I begin when suddenly we hear a commotion coming from the outside. ‘What’s that?’ I ask, looking at Benji.
‘No idea.’ Benji stands up and heads over to the window that looks over the courtyard.
I follow him.
‘It looks like Arthur is talking to one of the builders,’ Benji says, still looking out of the window. ‘I’ve no idea why their voices are raised, though. Actually, strike that, it’s the builder that’s doing all the shouting.’
I watch for a moment and Benji is right, one of Bill’s men, who I think is called Ed, appears to be remonstrating with Arthur.
‘I’d better go and see what’s going on,’ I say, putting down my tea.
‘But you’re not dressed,’ Benji says.
I look down. ‘Ah, it’ll have to do – I’ll grab a dressing gown on my way downstairs.’
‘Good luck,’ Benji calls as I leave the top floor. ‘It looks like you’re going to need it.’
