Page 16 of The Perfect Melody

Besides, I’m supposed to be discovering what it’s like to live life on my own terms. How am I supposed to figure out if that’ssomething I’m even capable of if I go running to Liam on day one? No. While waiting tables is hardly what I had in mind for my solo adventure, it’s a perfectly reasonable solution to the mess I’ve found myself in, and one I came up with all by myself.

The B&B finally comes into view, and my shoulders slump in relief. It’s bigger than I expected, more like a small hotel rather than a large home repurposed to accommodate paying guests. There’s a cute sign and flowers out front that add a touch of charm I’m too stressed to appreciate fully.

With some awkward manoeuvring, I shoulder my way inside and out of the drizzle. The entrance hall is warm and welcoming, with a cluster of comfortable chairs in front of a window to my left, and a small reception desk at the centre of the back wall.

I set down my bags, then ring the little bell on the desk and look up when a bright, cheery voice calls out from the wide staircase off to the right.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” A woman I’d place somewhere in her mid-fifties appears, slightly out of breath, and offers me a welcoming smile. The silvering curls of her natural hair are styled in a tapered pixie cut, and a striking pair of purple cat-eye glasses frame her brown eyes.

“Don’t worry, I only just got here.”

“Oh, good.” Her relief allows her to take in my bedraggled appearance properly, and her warm smile dims as her eyebrows knit together. “Was the car park full?”

“Sorry, what?” I ask, confused by the sudden change in direction of our conversation.

“You look like you were in the rain for a while, but we have a car park right outside…”

“Oh, no,” I say, understanding. “Well, I mean, I’m not sure. I had an… accident and had to leave my car behind and walk here. I’m fine though,” I hasten to add at the older woman’s wide-eyed look of concern.

“You poor thing. Do you need me to call the mechanic?”

“It’s already taken care of, thank you though.”

“Alright then. Let’s get you checked in so you can change into something dry. I’m Esther, by the way. What’s your name?”

“Cassie St. James.”

Her brown eyes scan the computer screen, brightening when she finds my booking. She unlocks a cupboard on her right, then fishes out a set of keys. “You’re in room eight.” The wooden keyring is smooth and lightweight. “Breakfast is served between seven and nine every morning. We also have tea, coffee, and an assortment of cakes and biscuits available throughout the day. You’re welcome to enjoy them anywhere in the B&B, but we ask that you return any crockery to the dining room when you’re finished.”

“Of course.”

At my nod, she continues, “We lock the front door at nine every evening.” Esther points to my keys. “There won’t be anyone at the front desk after that time, but one of those is for the front door, so you’ll still be able to come and go as you please. Your room is upstairs, second door on the left. If you need anything during your stay, there’s a phone in your room so you can call down or come back here and ring the bell, and one of our team will help you.”

“Great, thank you.” I bend to pick up my belongings.

“Would you like help taking your things up?” she asks, eying the collection of bags at my feet.

“You’re sure you don’t mind?” I ask sheepishly.

“Of course not.” She waves me off, stepping out from behind the desk. “What am I carrying?”

“If you can take my guitar, I’ll be fine managing the rest.”

Esther takes it from me, then waits at the foot of the stairs while I gather the rest of my stuff. I join her, and she leads the way up the wide wooden staircase. A slightly worn baroque-patterned runner prevents the walnut steps from being too slippery.

“Have you played for long?”

“Guitar?”

She nods.

“Yeah, since I was little.”

“My husband, Thomas, plays too. He was in a band when I met him. Won me over with a song he wrote just for me.” She smiles fondly. “He was such a charmer. Still is.”

I chuckle. “That’s musicians for you.”

Her brown eyes twinkle with amusement as she looks over at me. “Does that mean you’ve got someone special waiting back home?”