Page 86 of One Golden Summer

“Do you believe Kirsty had a role in it?”

“No.”

“Then what’s really bugging you?”

“Both things happened on the exact same night. Echo and the website. And both Kirsty and I believed the absolute worst about the other. Doesn’t that say something?”

“Two things: bad luck and lack of communication.” Ginger displayed two fingers in the air.

Saffron shook her head. “No. It’s not that simple. Every time I trust someone, I get burned.”

“If I’m following the story, Kirsty didn’t betray you.”

“She didn’t believe me, either. I told her that lunch with Echo was a setup, but…” Saffron hitched a shoulder.

“Can you try seeing it from her side?”

“Are you implying I’m not trustworthy?” Saffron’s blood turned to molten lava and she forced her sleeves up her forearms.

“Not at all. I think a lot of women would be jealous of Echo Black. Not only is she insanely beautiful, successful, and rich, she’s confident as hell. That combination would be difficult for many to banish from their thoughts.”

“She’s not that confident. She constantly needs praise and to be admired.”

“You know that, but the rest of the world doesn’t.” Ginger sighed. “Just because you understand what’s in your heart, doesn’t mean anyone else does, no matter how close they are to you.”

“Do you think I’m shagging Echo?”

“Not a fair premise. You’ve opened up to me about her. And, I’ve known you since the day you took your first breath.” Ginger leaned forward in her chair. “If you want Kirsty to believe you and Echo are over, have a heart to heart with her. Let her in completely.”

“It’s not just Echo. I don’t want to go back to London. I don’t want to act anymore. I need a fresh start. On every front. I’m exhausted and if I don’t make changes now, I don’t know how I’ll survive.”

“Are you serious? About giving it all up?” For the first time during the conversation, there was hopefulness in Ginger’s expression.

Saffron nodded.

“You have no idea how happy that makes me. You’ve been miserable for so long.”

“I really have.” Saffron sniffed. “Why did it take me so long to see what was right in front of me?”

“It’s hard to pinpoint the source of misery when you don’t allow yourself time to stop and think. You’ve been going full speed for half of your life. Running further and further away from the shadow of Mum and Dad. Maybe it’s time to stop running. Start confronting your demons. I’ve been so worried I’d lose you forever and only be left with the shell of my beautiful baby sister.”

Saffron wiped her eyes with a sleeve. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Sometimes you have to come to these realisations on your own and besides, would you have listened?” Ginger’s slanted head said no.

“I guess we’ll never know.”

“Nice try, Saff. You’re the most stubborn person I know and you have to figure out things on your own. I’m just glad you no longer take appliances apart to see how they work. I can’t start my day without a coffee and toasted tea cake.”

“Where’s your tool kit?” Saffron started to rise from her chair.

“You’re such a pain in the arse. Sit down. Tell me what your plan is.” Ginger eagerly tapped her fingers together.

“I like the beach house. I’m going to put an offer on it. One that can’t be turned down.”

Ginger squealed. “I like what I’m hearing so far. Go on.”

“Maybe I’ll adopt a dog. Take long walks every morning and night.”