‘I’ll help her get changed,’ said Nell, dashing into the changing room and pulling the curtain closed behind her. ‘Are you okay?’ she whispered. Cat’s face had lost its glow. ‘If you want that dress you should have it. Do you want me to tell your mum for you?’
‘I’m not sure,’ Cat replied. ‘Maybe Mum’s right. This is my big day and I could wear a dress like that to a party. Well, not that colour or that fancy—’
‘So not actually that dress then.’
‘No. But you know what I mean.’
‘But your face. Cat, when you put that dress on, you really loved it. I could see it in your eyes. It was like it was made for you. Are you sure you want to try that other one on? Wouldn’t it be easier to just tell your mum now that it’s not what you want? She might get the hump, but she’s got time to get over it.’
‘I’m going to think about it for a bit. I don’t have to buy a dress today. I know I haven’t got much time, but I can sleep on it and ring them tomorrow.’ Cat’s voice became stronger as if she was convincing herself.
‘Okay. If you’re sure.’ Not wanting to push her, or ruin a day that should be fun, Nell didn’t argue – she was seeing Cat again tomorrow, along with Kieran and her other best friend, Tom, for a drink at the hotel. Instead, she held out Cat’s glass for her and she downed the contents. ‘Do you want another one?’
‘Yes, please,’ said Cat. ‘I think I’m going to need it.’
Nell backed out of the changing room, a heavy feeling settling on her shoulders. The change she’d just seen in her friend was astounding. She’d always been one to stand up for herself and say it straight. Hopefully, it was just a case of Cat wanting to find the right words to explain to her mum what she wanted. But as Nell knew all too well, when money was involved, life suddenly got a lot more complicated.
Chapter 2
Nell delivered a tray of drinks to the table. A lager each for Kieran and Tom, a gin and tonic for Cat and a tea for her as she was on duty. The prosecco they’d consumed yesterday had hit her mid-afternoon and she’d had to have a nap before Zoe, who covered reception for her, had left. She didn’t drink very much normally, and the bubbles had left her mind and body dulled this morning. With no guests to bother her, Nell had pottered around, ensuring the place was ready for any walk-ins and had then focused on the wedding brochure she was creating.
The day had passed slowly but now Nell and her friends were snuggled into the comfortable velvet armchairs in the lounge, the heat from the open fire burning fiercely in the large fireplace warmed the room. She pulled a thick, woollen blanket over her knees as the wind whipped around the building. Even though she was wearing her favourite enormous Seventies-style flared jeans and a big jumper, she was still a bit chilly.
Holly Lodge had been Nell’s home since she was eight years old when her parents had opened the hotel. When they’d decided to move down to Devon and open a second hotel two years ago, Nell had jumped at the chance to take over and now lived in the basement flat of Holly Lodge, next to the kitchens. Above her were four more floors; the ground floor, where they were now, was home to the dining room, and then each of the floors above had three bedrooms. Running the lodge was more than just a job to Nell: it was a way of life. Working every hour of every day was a passion, one that none of her previous boyfriends had understood. Though that passion had been tested over the last few months when everything had felt like an uphill struggle, she’d stayed focused and positive hoping the slump would pass.
A converted Victorian townhouse, Holly Lodge had the most perfect setting on the seafront. It was called Holly Lodge rather than Pebble House or something more seasidey because of the tall holly hedges that surrounded it. It could have been imposing, but the large iron gate was always pinned back, held by bright flower pots, and the sweet stone path that led to a ramp up to the front door was also lined with flowers – all of which combined to feel homely and welcoming.
Inside, she’d made the place her own since taking over. The walls were painted in heritage colours of sage-green and subtle shades of blue with a few lavenders here and there, but to add a more modern, luxurious feel, the Chesterfield sofas and wingback chairs in the lounge were mustard-coloured velvet or a bright teal covered in blankets and scatter cushions to make the guests more comfortable. Against the period features of grand fireplaces and decorative plaster mouldings this boldness worked, giving a luxurious and sumptuous feel. Where the large arced iron gate interrupted the hedge, Nell could see out to the beach where a high tide railed against the wind. It thrashed the sea, producing high white waves, and the gale shook the bright red berries nestled in the boxy hedge of prickly holly.
‘So how was dress shopping yesterday?’ asked Kieran as they sat by the wide sash window at the front of the house. The rain hadn’t stopped since yesterday and the drops drummed on the pane, racing each other down.
‘You can’t ask that,’ said Tom, taking a sip of his drink. ‘The dress is secret, isn’t it?’
Cat glanced at Nell before snuggling further into Kieran’s side. Kieran grinned down at her and squeezed her tight. His tall, sturdy frame filled most of the sofa; he and tiny, petite Cat, made an odd but endearing couple. She reached her head up and he gave her a gentle kiss. They were
