Page 24 of Strictly Friends
‘Because it’s an unknown foreign number I haven’t yet blockedandit’s about time I heard from you! Besides, you’re the only one I know who’d have the nerve to call this early in the morning and expect me to answer. Anyway, how’s it going out there? Have you found him yet?’
Ruby glanced in the direction of the open balcony door and lowered her voice. ‘Yes, we saw him a couple of days ago, but I haven’t had a chance to call you. It was all very emotional between him and Jake, and incredibly weird for me, if I’m honest! He hasn’t changed much – to look at, at least.’
‘I’ll bet he was shocked to see the two of you. Have you killed him and buried the body?’ Fi asked cheerfully.
Ruby laughed. ‘I’m still in shock, but it could yet happen. He’s called twice every day since and spoken to Jake for ages. He’s taking us out to dinner tonight, so he’s certainly putting in the work, even if he’s six years too late! I can’t say much now cos Jake’s nearby, but I’ll call you another time for a proper chat. I just wanted to say hello and let you know we’re still in one piece.’
‘Hold on a sec, how’s the divine Griffin coping without you? I bet he’s like a lost puppy. Tell him to call me if he needs comforting.’
Ruby rolled her eyes. ‘I honestly can’t deal with the two of you. I just rang him, actually, and got his voicemail, which means he’s either not up yet or he’s with some chick and too – erm... busy to answer the phone.’
‘The man is gorgeous, and you can’t blame any girl for falling, Rubes. I certainly wouldn’t kick him out of my bed.’
‘Fi...’ Ruby warned.
‘Okay, okay, I’ll change the subject! What’s the weather like where you are? It’s dark, pouring with rain and bloody miserable here.’
‘Honestly, Fi, this place is absolutely beautiful! It’s hot and sunny, but not oppressive. Can you believe I’ve got a tan already? We’re staying at a family-owned place called Paradise Inn which is literally heaven! I’m standing on the balcony looking at some stunning gardens as we speak.’
Fi grunted. ‘Well, don’t go getting too attached to the place. Priya’s doing okay so far, but it’s only been a couple of days. Remember what I said before you left – I need you back here.’
‘Erm... talking of work, I need to ask a favour,’ Ruby began.
‘What favour?’ The panic in Fi’s voice was audible. ‘Please don’t tell me you want to stay out there for another six months or anything?’
‘No, of course not, although now you mention it— Okay, calm down, I’m kidding!’ Ruby laughed in response to Fi’s squawk of protest. ‘No, it’s just an idea I’ve been thinking about, and I haven’t even asked her yet but—’
‘Rubes, for crying out loud, will you get to the point already!’
‘Okay!So, the lady who owns Paradise Inn is a real sweetheart and she’s practically adopted me and Jake since we got here. She’s American – from Louisiana – and she has the loveliest accent.’
Fi growled impatiently, and Ruby quickly continued, ‘Anyway, she and her husband came out to the island almost forty years ago to start a new life together because of all the racial tension in the States. He died a few years ago and she’s struggling to get enough visitors to keep the business going.’
‘Rubes, that’s a real shame but I need to finish getting dressed and I have no idea what this has to do with work.’
Ruby continued doggedly, undaunted by Fi’s exasperated tone. ‘I will tell you if you let me finish! The thing is, Paradise Innisdivine, and I think that with a great website and some digital marketing, it could attract heaps of customers. Now, I can take pictures and put some copy together, but—’
‘—but you haven’t got the first idea about the mechanics of setting up a website, and you want us to do it,’ Fi finished dryly.
‘Please, Fi,’ Ruby wheedled. ‘Nick could knock up a basic website in a matter of hours and I could email him some images and text to use. I’m going to be working with him on stuff like this in my new role and this will boost my digital skills no end. If it helps, think of it as our corporate social responsibility project for the year. Poor MissIda might lose her home and her business if things don’t improve.’
‘MissIda?She really is from the South, isn’t she?’ Her boss sounded amused rather than annoyed, and Ruby exhaled with relief. Fi was unpredictable at the best of times and asking her for a favour before she’d had her morning coffee was a bit of a gamble, although well worth it if she agreed to Ruby’s suggestion.
After a short pause Fi said briskly, ‘Fine. If helping your old lady means you won’t follow in Kenny’s footsteps and take up residence on Sorrel Island, then I’m on board. I’ll brief Nick when I get into the office, but you’ll have to call him yourself and explain what you need. And keep it simple, d’you hear? He already has a ton ofpayingprojects on his plate.’
‘I will,’ Ruby promised, grinning happily. ‘Thankssomuch, Fi. MissIda’s going to bestoked!’
‘Okay, I’ve got to go. Give the munchkin a kiss from me and call me when you can talk properly cos I wantallthe details. Oh, and Rubes ...?’
‘Yes?’
‘Make sure you ring me at a civilised time in future.’
The line clicked off, and Ruby groaned aloud. Pigs would fly the day Fi failed to get in the last word.
Then, remembering the marketing coup she had just scored for MissIda, Ruby burst into a spontaneous happy dance.I can’t wait to tell MissIda how we’re going to save her business.
‘MUM! I’ve finished the chapter.Pleasecan we go to the beach now?’ Jake’s plaintive voice wafted out on to the balcony.
