A Fresh Start In Holly Blue Bay Read online

  Malcolm!

  Jacob checked his rear-view mirror, slammed on the brakes and swung the van around. In his haste to get away from Roberta and her scheming ways, he’d forgotten Malcolm. He’d never, ever forgotten Malcolm before. The dog was probably howling in misery at being abandoned by him. The poor mutt would be inconsolable.

  Keeping to Roberta’s strict speed limits, Jacob returned to Daisy’s building and parked up outside. He raced in to see Daisy sitting on the floor with Malcolm’s head resting on her lap. Malcolm didn’t look the least bit distraught, and seemed happily at home next to Daisy. Some loyal companion he was.

  “Hi,” Daisy said with a smile. She stroked Malcolm’s head. “You forgot something when you left.”

  Jacob didn’t smile as he clicked his fingers at Malcolm. “Here, boy.”

  Malcolm didn’t move.

  “Malcolm! Come here.” Jacob knew his tone was brusque, but he couldn’t help himself. He was embarrassed at having left Malcolm behind. And he was annoyed with Daisy for collaborating with Roberta. He didn’t know what plans they had for the town, but he knew it wouldn’t be anything he approved of. A sensible part of himself tried to argue he was making a ridiculous assumption, but he pushed that thought away. “Malcolm! Now.”

  His belligerent pet closed his eyes as if pretending to be asleep.

  Daisy tried to smother a laugh, but he heard it.

  “This isn’t funny,” he said curtly. “Please remove your hands from my dog. Can’t you see he’s trying to stand up?”

  Daisy held her hands up. He could see she was trying hard not to laugh again.

  Malcolm still didn’t move, and his eyes remained shut. What was wrong with him? He usually came running when Jacob called his name.

  Jacob moved over to his dog and pulled gently on his collar. In a softer tone, he said, “Come on, boy. Let’s go. I’m sure Ms Clarke has got important work to do.”

  “Nothing that can’t wait,” Daisy informed him with a smile. Her hands were still in the air. “I think I’ve fallen in love with Malcolm. He’s wonderful. You’re lucky to have him.”

  “Yeah, I know,” Jacob mumbled in reply. Reluctantly, Malcolm got to his feet and gave Jacob a disapproving look. Which was silly because dogs didn’t display emotions. But Malcolm wasn’t an ordinary dog. He was more than that. He was Jacob’s best friend, and they’d been through difficult times together.

  Daisy waggled her fingers in the air. “Can I lower my hands now? I promise not to touch Malcolm again.” She smiled at the dog. “But it’ll be hard to resist you, Mr Handsome.”

  “That’s not his name. Don’t confuse him.”

  Daisy tutted. “I was only kidding.” Her hand shot out and she gave Malcolm a swift tickle on his head.

  “Hey! You promised you wouldn’t touch him.”

  Daisy got to her feet and gave him a wide-eyed look. “And I didn’t. Have you any witnesses to say otherwise?” She smiled as she looked around the empty room. “No? Then it’s my word against yours. Isn’t that right, Malcolm?”

  Unwarranted anger flashed through Jacob. He snapped, “It seems lying comes easily to you. I don’t like people who lie.”

  Daisy blanched. “I was joking. Trying to lighten the atmosphere. I don’t know what I’ve done to upset you, but I apologise. I never meant to offend you.”

  Jacob was instantly ashamed of his behaviour. “I’m the one who should apologise. I’m not mad with you. It’s Roberta Wainwright. We have a history, and not a good one.”

  “I gathered that.”

  Malcolm shuffled closer to Daisy and rested his head against her leg. Jacob didn’t order him to come back to his side. He tried to explain, “Roberta likes to be in charge of everything and everyone in this town including me. But like my dad, and his dad, we’ve been getting along just fine in this town without Roberta’s interference in our lives.”

  “And I bet you’ve told her that many times.” Daisy smiled at him.

  Jacob’s mood lifted at the smile on her face. He gave her a wry grin. “I have told her that more than once. Not that she listens. She values her own opinion above anyone else’s.”

  “I know. I’ve been in contact with her for a few months now, and she’s certainly a woman who knows her own mind. I respect that.” She let out a laugh which had a funny effect on Jacob and made him feel something like joy. He hadn’t felt that in a long time. Daisy went on, “I suspect I’m going to have a few battles with Roberta in the future. She’s already changed some of my plans. And she’s set up daily meetings so she can keep an eye on my progress. I’m going to try to convince her we don’t need that. I know how to deal with Roberta.” She pulled a face and added, “Hopefully.”

  “Good luck with that.” Jacob’s smile was broad as he looked at Daisy.

  “Perhaps you could give me some tips on how to deal with her.” She looked down at Malcolm. “And what about you? Could you give me some tips? Or perhaps a cuddle after my meetings with Roberta? I’ve got a feeling I might need some.”

  Malcolm wagged his tail in reply. Daisy raised her eyes in question at Jacob.

  “Go on,” Jacob relented. “You can hug him. But don’t start spoiling him. I don’t know why he’s taken to you so much.”

  Daisy grinned. “If that’s an insult, I’m going to ignore it.”

  “No! I meant that most people don’t get that close to Malcolm. They think he smells.”

  Daisy stroked Malcolm’s back. “He does. But I like it. He smells a bit like you. A mixture of wood and paint.” She stiffened and that charming blush came back to her cheeks. “Not that I’ve been sniffing you or anything! I didn’t mean that.” She cleared her throat. “I’ve made a list of things I need doing in this room. If you’re still okay to do that?”

  “Of course. I’ll make a start on your list tomorrow morning.” Unable to help himself, he moved a bit closer. “As long as you don’t start sniffing me or ask me to strip.”

  “I’ll try not to.”

  Daisy smiled at him. Jacob smiled back. Neither of them spoke for a few seconds.

  Jacob broke the silence by asking, “What plans are you concocting for the town?”

  “Just an online awareness to begin with. I started a blog a few weeks back about moving here. I’ve got a few hundred people following me. That’s what I was doing when we first met. I was making a recording to upload to my website. People are very interested in your lovely town.”

  “As long as they don’t get too interested. We don’t want the town invaded by thousands of tourists.”

  “I can’t see that happening. But what about a few hundred? Would that be so bad?”

  “I suppose not. The tourist trade keeps a lot of residents going.”

  Daisy looked as if she was considering her next words carefully. “Would you mind if I put a photo of Malcolm online? He could be the town’s mascot. I’m sure everyone will fall in love with him. I could even record him waving from your van.”

  Jacob’s foul mood returned in a flash. He took Malcolm firmly by the collar and announced, “Don’t you dare. What a nerve! Thinking you could use my dog to further your career! You’re just like Roberta Wainwright. You’ll make great business partners.”

  “But I—” Daisy tried to defend herself but Jacob was having none of it.

  He stalked out of the building for the second time that day and shouted over his shoulder, “Get someone else to do the jobs on your list! And keep your hands off my dog.”

  Jacob was still furious as he drove away. Daisy had tried to deceive him with her charming smiles and kind words. And she’d used Malcolm to get to him! As if she’d fallen for his smelly old dog! No one in their right mind could love Malcolm, no one but him.

  Jacob reached out and stroked Malcolm’s head. He said, “We won’t be going back there again, old friend. We won’t be taken in by that woman and her winning ways. It’s all an act. Oh yes, it’s all an act. We won’t have anything else to do with Daisy Clarke.�
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  Malcolm’s look was full of reproach. But Jacob ignored him because it wasn’t possible for dogs to display emotion. Everyone knew that.

  Chapter 3

  DAISY

  DAISY DIDN’T MOVE AS she watched Jacob drive away. She’d upset him again. She hadn’t meant to. He’d got the wrong end of the stick. She didn’t want to make money out of Malcolm. She just thought everyone would fall in love with him like she had. And it would be good for the town to have a mascot of some sort. But he hadn’t given her the chance to explain that.

  She sighed and moved away from the window. The stress of leaving her old life behind and coming to a new town was beginning to take its toll on her. Her shoulders dropped as she thought about the promises she’d made to Roberta about the town. She’d assured Roberta that with her marketing plans they could increase the number of tourists to the town, and not just in the summer months. Daisy had plans for the whole year including festivals and celebrations. She’d already contacted festival organisers in London who’d given her ideas of what they could offer. And foolishly, Daisy had shared that information with Roberta. And now Roberta wanted her to go ahead with her plans. Daisy felt overwhelmed at the thought of it.

  But it wasn’t the mountain of work she had to get through which was troubling her; it was Jacob Smythe. There was something about him. Before she’d upset him, she’d been captivated by his smile and the love in his eyes when he spoke about Malcolm. And he’d been easy to talk to. Daisy smiled. Let’s face it, Jacob was easy on the eyes too. It had been a long time since she’d been attracted to anyone. She’d been too busy with her marketing career and trying to impress her dad. But being with Jacob had turned her mind to relationships. Was it time she opened her heart to someone? Obviously not Jacob! She couldn’t see a future with him at all. Not if he kept storming off every time she said something he didn’t agree with.

  Daisy pinched the bridge of her nose and forced Jacob’s face from her mind. She mentally put the idea of a romantic relationship somewhere in the future. She would think about it later. Much later.

  Daisy closed the entrance door and made her way upstairs. Her boxes from London were lined up in the bedroom and living room. She hadn’t had time to unpack yet. A sudden thought came to her as she entered the living room. She could shove some of these boxes in her car and return to London. She’d tell everyone she’d made a mistake. They would understand. Most of them had told her she was making a mistake as soon as she announced her plans to come here. The thought of leaving made her feel lighter. Leaving meant Daisy would have to deal with the wrath of Roberta, but she would deal with that from the safety of her London office.

  She nodded to herself. Yes, that’s exactly what she’d do. She’d leave this town behind and remind herself constantly never to do anything as reckless again.

  Her stomach growled to remind her she hadn’t eaten for hours. The window in the living room was open, and Daisy caught the delicious aroma of fish and chips. Her mouth watered. It had been years since she’d had fish and chips. Wasn’t it a rule that you had to have them when you went to the seaside? She smiled. She was making it a rule for her. If she was going back to London, she’d better get her fish and chips right now.

  Daisy quickly left her apartment and headed along the seafront towards the fish and chip shop. The smell became more tantalising as she walked along, and she checked the corners of her mouth to make sure she wasn’t drooling.

  She entered the large shop and joined the small queue. The shop was bright and airy. The menu on the wall behind the counter was full of mouth-watering dishes including the usual battered fish. Daisy scanned the menu. Now then, should she go for the regular size or the large? It took her two seconds to decide on the large. The drive back to London was a long one, and she needed to keep her energy levels up.

  A few minutes later, it was Daisy’s turn to be served. The young woman behind the counter gave her a huge smile. “Hi there! You must be Daisy. Roberta described you to me. She’s been telling me and everyone else about your plans for the town. It’s going to be so exciting!”

  “Oh. Right.” Daisy didn’t know what else to say.

  The woman gushed, “It’s about time our little town was updated. Roberta said you’ve started an online campaign. I’m on every social media platform going. Let me know if I can help you with anything. I’ve got loads of followers.” The smile on her face made Daisy’s heart feel heavy.

  The woman flapped her hand at Daisy. “Oh, you’re not here to talk about work are you? You must be starving after all that travelling and moving into your new place. What can I get for you?”

  Daisy felt like a traitor as she gave the woman her order. What would she think about Daisy once she’d returned to London?

  “Large haddock and chips coming up,” the woman said with a smile. “Do you want mushy peas to go with that? Our mushy peas are the best in the county. We’ve won awards for them! You can put a picture of the award on your site if you want. How about some buttered bread? The bread and butter are made locally.”

  Daisy nodded silently as her appetite began to fade away. The woman looked so hopeful and enthusiastic. Why couldn’t Daisy look like that?

  The woman presented Daisy with her meal all wrapped up. “Here you go. I hope you enjoy it. Let me know if you need my help with your Holly Blue Bay campaign.”

  “Thank you.” Daisy tried to smile. She handed over a ten-pound-note, but the woman shook her head.

  “This is on me,” the woman declared. “Just a small token of my thanks for what you’re going to do for our town. According to Roberta, you’re going to perform miracles!”

  Daisy gave her a wobbly smile and quickly left the shop. She wished she could perform miracles. She’d turn back time and ignore the urge to send that email to Roberta Wainwright; the email which had started this whole mess.

  Daisy kept her attention on the ground as she scuttled back to her apartment. She didn’t want to look into the faces of the residents who she was going to let down by running away.

  Once she was back in the safety of her living room, Daisy put her meal to one side. She couldn’t face eating it at the moment. She quickly made herself a strong cup of tea and headed for the small balcony at the front of the living room. She opened the doors and stepped onto the balcony which had the most magnificent view of Holly Blue Bay. The balcony wasn’t large, just big enough for the table and two chairs which had been placed there.

  Daisy sat down and put her cup on the table. This really was a beautiful town. She knew from online reports the tourist industry here was in decline. Some scaremongers had even said the town would become abandoned in a few years if things didn’t pick up. That thought brought tears to Daisy’s eyes. What a truly dreadful thought.

  Hope suddenly buzzed around her brain like a pesky bee. Could she stay? Even for a short while? Could she do something to help the town? It wouldn’t have to be something huge and time-consuming. But anything at all would help. Wouldn’t it?

  Daisy gazed out to sea. She heard the cheerful chatter of people below her as they walked along. Children screamed with happy laughter as they headed for the beach with their buckets and spades. Daisy began to smile. This place was beginning to work its magic on her. Just like it had all those years ago.

  “Stop it,” Daisy aimed her comments at the scene in front of her. “Stop being so beautiful.”

  A little visitor abruptly arrived which changed everything. A small, blue butterfly landed on the balcony railings right in front of her. Daisy knew what the butterfly was. It was one of the reasons why this town was so special to her. The butterfly was a holly blue variety, and this town was named after the beautiful creatures.

  Daisy pointed at the butterfly. “Hey you, this isn’t fair. It’s bad enough that the town is so beguiling, but now you arrive in all your magnificence and stir up happy memories. How am I supposed to resist you and your town?”

  The butterfly stayed right where it wa
s. Daisy stared at it. The smile on her face grew along with the hope in her heart.

  “Alright, you win,” she told the butterfly. “I’ll stay. I’ll give it my best shot. But I’m going to need some food to keep me going.”

  She stood up and headed back inside. She collected her fish and chips along with a knife and fork. She wasn’t going to bother with a plate; she was happy to eat straight from the container.

  The butterfly was still sitting on the railings when Daisy returned to the balcony. Daisy smiled at it and said, “I haven’t changed my mind.”

  Daisy’s appetite returned with a vengeance and she was glad there was no one around, apart from the butterfly, to see her wolf the hot meal down. It took her less than fifteen minutes. The mushy peas were the best she’d ever tasted.

  When she’d finished, she let out an annoyed tut. “Oh, I meant to take a photo and put it on my site.” She tilted her head as she looked at the butterfly. “What’s that you say, Mr Butterfly? I’ll just have to buy more fish and chips tomorrow? Okay. If you insist.”

  The butterfly flew away, no doubt thinking Daisy was a crazy woman. Well, perhaps she was crazy. She was crazy for staying here and embarking on this impossible project. She shrugged. So be it. She’d made her decision now.

  Daisy looked towards the beach. She hadn’t even had a walk along it yet. A calming stroll along the sand was just what she needed.

  A few minutes later, Daisy was doing just that. The beach wasn’t too busy, only a few families and some people walking dogs. Daisy smiled and said hello to everyone she came across. Some people gave her curious glances, but most returned her smile and greeting.