So its been just over two weeks since I departed Weatherfield; for good. I have managed to get myself settled the best I can here in Devon, a little homesick of course and missing some friends, but have started making in roads with a few local people here. Actually hasn't taken me as long as I thought it would. I expected to be in constant pain after the whole debacle with Nick and the wedding but having spent my first week with Tim it has helped massively.

I still think about Nick; a lot!

I think about him when I wake up, when I go to sleep, when I walk about by myself, or try to enjoy some me time, but the pain of it all isn't as bad as it was the day I left and got on that train to my new life.

Tim and I have grown closer, and now that his hotel is due for grand opening, a week delay in it of course, I am helping him tonight with hostess duties. He has a lot of the local town council coming, and we have the Mayor and a few other important members of the community, so he wants to make a good impression. We are hosting the most fabulous dinner. The chef we chose impressed us so much. All the flair and passion of a gourmet chef, with talent, who can make everyday ordinary dishes more interesting without being too posh or fancy for the 'locals', as Tim refers to them, taste.

Setting tables I wander around the dining room making sure everything is ready and in its place. Those few shifts at the bistro helping Nick out obviously paid off because I am making light work of playing hostess. Whoever knew I would be so good at it. I have my most conservative but classy evening dresses, and my killer heels all picked out and ready to get changed into, and just need to accessorise it accordingly later. The excitement fills me, as I smile and drink in the perfection of the room I have set out ready for the evening soiree. Checking the time, I now have two hours to pamper myself and get ready before our first guests are due.

Hurrying up to my room, which I will be vacating tomorrow morning to move into my lovely little cottage, I rush inside and strip off my black skinny jeans and top before dashing into the bathroom to set the shower running. Its been a brilliant, hot, beautiful week down here in Devon. Nice sunny days, and exquisite heat, but it has its downsides, especially when you are working and now I am all hot and sweaty. Yuck! Peeling off my underwear, I quickly step into the shower and allow the water to cascade over me. It is instantly refreshing and I revel in the pleasure of feeling instantly cleaner and less clammy.

I spent longer than I thought I would in there, but I had so much to do. Being a woman is such hard work, but its all sorted now and I once again feel very much my glamorous self. Wrapping a towel around my body, and another smaller one around my hair, I make my way back into the bedroom and straight to the mini fridge, which Tim has very kindly stocked with a bottle of wine for me. Grabbing a glass from the side I pour a large helping, but promise myself only the one for now. Don't want to be a tipsy guest greeter.

As I take my first, large sip, I head over to the doors that lead out onto the small balcony area and open them to step out into the late afternoon air. There is a little breeze from the sea coming across which is pleasantly refreshing also. I stand and sip my wine, gazing out to sea and thinking to myself just how pretty the coastal, sea front view is. As I continue to enjoy the views, I am suddenly disturbed by the ringing of my phone that is coming from inside. With a swift turn of my heel, I head back in and placing my glass down on the side, rummage around my bag to find it.

It's Michelle.

"Chelle" I greet her warmly.

Haven't head from her in over a week, but my heart is literally bursting with excitement. I have so much I want to tell her about, but instantly I can tell she is upset.

"Chelle, what's happened babe?" I ask her.

She sniffles, very upset and I know she has been crying. I perch down on the edge of the bed as she starts to explain the events of her week. Poor Michelle, she tells me about something happening with Will, and that Steve has found out and that she has told him she is coming to stay with me. Of course that is ok, and its a good job I get my cottage tomorrow, because I don't know if it would be ok with Tim. Of course should the situation be different I know I would have sorted it. She sobs on and I comfort her best I can given the distance between us. She is stopping tonight at my old flat, which she has been packing up for me now that Gail and her family have vacated, and tomorrow she will be on a train to see me. I make a loud 'mwah' sound down the phone at her as I tell her I love her and say goodbye. Part of me is really excited to see her, the other disappointed it is not on happier terms.

It lowers my mood just a touch, but for now the show must go on.

I glance at the time on my phone resting in my hand, and after a moments contemplation in regards to Michelle, I suddenly spring into action realising that the call has really eaten into my getting ready time and now I will have to rush. Swapping my phone for my glass, I take another big sip of wine and then concentrate on getting myself ready.

Twenty minutes later and I deem myself presentable enough to make an appearance. Checking myself once more in the full length mirror, I touch up my lips and then head downstairs to start with my evening duties.

I hear a wolf whistle as I emerge at the stairs and when I glance down, at the bottom of them stands Tim all suited and booted up, ready for his big unveiling. I smile and make my way down to meet him. He scrubs up well. I see him drinking me in, this dress maybe was too tight, but he looks at me with an admiration I haven't seen anyone display in such a long time. He then tells me how nice I look and politely I thank him, before I quickly change the subject to business.

"So...where do you want me?" I ask.

Tim smiles and quickly jumps into hotel owner status as he leads me over to the main hall, dining area door, then placing me at a podium he smiles again and begins explaining what he would like me to do for the evening. So thats it. stand nicely, smile and greet each guest and then seat them depending on the size of their party. Sounds easy enough.

"You got it boss!" I joke with a big grin as I take up my post.

"You'll do great...and...and just thanks, you know for helping with everything" he tells me with a smile, before awkwardly dashing off.

In an endearing way I kinda find him cute, and find myself staring as he stumbles upon glancing back at me as her disappears into the kitchens.