Page 7 of One Perfect Day in Lovely Bay
Cally groaned inwardly and rolled her eyes at her and Logan’s upcoming trip to Scotland. Like other social events she’d been to with Logan, she’d been invited to Scotland for a get-together that was a family tradition. It hadn’t taken her long to work out that going to the estate in Scotland, just like the races had been before, was a non-negotiable part of the Henry-Hicks family’s calendar. One she’d quite happily give a miss.
While the trip hadn’t completely slipped her mind, she’d attempted to put it on the back burner and hadn’t put too much thought into it at all. It wasn't that she wasn't looking forward to it; more that she couldn’t be faffed with the weight of expectation that came with it. It wasn't just a casual weekend away, oh no, not at all. It was, rather, a Henry-Hicks family tradition, part of their social calendar that was fixed each and every year. Logan had explained that the family had been going to the Scottish estate for generations. It was a big deal, with a formal dinner, days of outdoor activities, and family outings.
No longer full of doubt around Logan’s family, Cally was fine with the actual event itself, but the thought of spending days navigating their customs and traditions didn’t fill her with utter joy. She shook her head and tried not to be mean. Logan’s family had been nothing but welcoming to her; even if their world sometimes felt alien to hers, they hadn’t put a foot wrong. Therewere definitely irritating members - entitled Alastair and his badly-timed comments sprang to mind, but overall, they were nice. She needed to suck it up and be more grateful.
Sighing as she looked out at the sea again, she thought about how far she'd come from when she'd arrived with nothing much other than the hope that Birdie extending her a lifeline would give her a fresh start. Now, here she was, rolling her eyes that she had to go on a trip to a Scottish estate with her boyfriend's family. She chuckled at the absurdity of it all as she rubbed her towel up and down her arms. If someone had told her a year before that this would be her life, she would have thought they were mad or drunk or both. Yet here she was, and despite her lack of enthusiasm, she was curious to see the estate that Logan had told her about.
Cally:Thanks for the reminder. Really looking forward to it. Yes. I have a dress sorted. Xxx
Sitting and pondering, Cally thought about the practicalities of the trip. From what Logan had said, she needed to pack for both warm and cold weather, lots of walking and outdoor clothes, and to be prepared for rain. Part of her wished they were jetting off to Spain. Sunbeds, cocktails, blue skies, and parasols or soggy walks in wet woods? Tricky one.
After popping Logan’s hoodie back on, pulling off her swimming costume’s straps and rolling it down, she hoisted her bag onto her shoulder and began to make her way back up the beach. As she walked along the promenade, her mind drifted back to the conversation she'd had with Logan when he'd first mentioned the Scotland trip. A few months before, they’d been enjoying a quiet evening at the cottage curled up on the sofa, half-watching a property show. Logan had casually dropped the trip to Scotland into the conversation as if it was nothing. He’d been nonchalant, but Cally had immediately registered that the Highlands was yet another non-negotiable part of family life.She supposed if she and Logan were going to continue to be an item, she’d have to get used to popping a smile on her face and getting on with things she didn’t always want to do. It was a tough life.
She nodded to herself and decided to open her mind. Maybe the Scottish trip would be good. She’d soon find out.
5
Cally was in the back room of the chemist, surrounded by towering piles of cardboard boxes in the middle of unsheathing a load of cough syrup from its outer carton. As she slid open an inner box and opened another carton, she checked off the contents against the delivery sheet and ticked off a stock list on the computer. Methodically going through the order, she thought about Birdie’s job offer and wondered if she really wanted to be doing the job full-time for the rest of her life. Had she struggled to do her degree in the spare room of her grandma’s house amidst her caring role to end up doing something she was mostly unqualified for? The honest answer was that she really wasn’t sure. Where was the razzle-dazzle in unwrapping cough syrup for a living? The va va voom of unloading boxes of fish oil capsules wasn’t exactly earth shattering.
She hadn’t yet received the formal offer email offer from Birdie, anyway, so the decision was in limbo. They’d discussed the role further and Birdie had said that Cally should take some time to really think it over and that there was no real rush. Cally was more than happy with that.
Her phone pinged from its position on the side. She glanced at it expecting to see a message from either Logan or Eloise but instead saw a number she didn’t know. Squinting at the screen, she tapped.
Hi Cally, Molly from Lovely Bay Coats here. Just a quick note to say you are at the top of the list. If you would like to go ahead with your Lovely coat, please click the attached link to book a slot for your first fitting. If you’re no longer interested, if you wouldn’t mind, please contact us so that we can offer your spot to the next one on our waiting list. Best, Lovely Bay Coats.
Cally gasped. She'd been on the waiting list for a much-coveted Lovely Bay coat for what felt like an eternity. The navy blue wax jackets were something of a Lovely Bay institution and locals wore them with a huge sense of pride. You did not mess with a Lovely coat or anyone wearing one. Lovelies had them for a lifetime and they were a much-cherished part of local life. To have one made for you was a big old deal. Cally shook her head as she reread the message. She couldn’t quite believe that she’d finally made it to the top of the list. Nor could she get her head around the fact that she’d got on the list in the first place, but she wasn’t going to tell anyone that. She let out a little whoop of joy.
‘Everything alright?’ Birdie's voice called from the dispensary area.
‘Yes!’ Cally called back, unable to keep the excitement from her voice. ‘More than alright, actually. I've just had a text from the coat shop. They’re ready for me to have my first fitting. At last!’
Birdie's head popped around the corner. ‘You've been waiting for ages, haven't you?’
Cally nodded. ‘Yes, I've been on the list forever. I'd almost given up hope. Ooh, exciting! I’ve wanted a coat to call my own since I started working for you. I’m always borrowing someone else's and they never fit me properly.’
Birdie chuckled, coming fully into the back room. ‘Well, good things come to those who wait, as they say. And just in time for your trip to Scotland, too. That coat will come in handy up there, I'd wager. Always chilly in that part of the world, if you ask me. Not that I’ve ever been invited to go to the estate. Chance would be a fine thing.’
Cally winced a little bit at the mention of her upcoming trip. Even though she pretended on the outside she was fine, she was still getting used to the idea of being part of Logan's world and all that it entailed. A long weekend away with his family was a big step as far as she was concerned.
‘You're right. It's perfect timing, really. How long does it take for the coat to be made? Do you know?’
‘Once you’re at the top of the list, not long. It’s the waiting that takes the time. Those girls in there don’t mess around.’
‘Great. So, it might just be ready in time for Scotland.’
‘Yep.’
‘Woohoo.’
Birdie widened her eyes. ‘Welcome to the club.’
6
Cally inhaled as she walked along the high street and made her way in the direction of Lovely Bay Coats. There was a slight crispness in the air but with the promise of a nice day on the horizon by way of a blue sky without a hint of a cloud. She inhaled the Lovely smell as she strolled; the scent of salt, seaweed, and the time of year in the air. Walking past the chocolate shop, she stopped to linger outside the front window for a bit, fantasised about a salted caramel truffle, said hello to Nancy, who was coming out of the pub, and then, as she got towards the war memorial, bumped straight into Colin from the riverboat. Colin was hustling along with a shopping bag in his arms coming the other way.
‘Afternoon, our Cally! Long time no see. How are things with you? All good, I hope. You’re looking well. Keeping well, are you?’
Cally beamed. ‘Thanks. I’m feeling great as it happens.’
