Page 45 of The Summer Escape

“No.” Beth couldn’t help but laugh. “You need to slow down on the gin. It’s a terrible idea. You can’t do that.”

She let out a cackle of a laugh. “You’re right. That’s an insane idea even for me. But I could go and visit him.”

“What?”

“I could go and see him. Check he’s being fed and looked after and that he’s happy. Maybe that would put your mind at ease. Or is that a bad idea too?”

“No.” A lump formed in Beth’s throat at her friend’s generosity. “It’s a lovely idea. I’d just feel terrible for you …”

“I’m totally up for it. I’ve never been in an old people’s home, but I watched a sitcom about one once and it was hilarious.”

“You might be disappointed in that case.”

“I’m really happy to go, if it’ll make you feel better.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Not at all. Especially if it means you’ll stay there and carry out a sordid holiday romance and give me all the juicy details.”

“I don’t know.” Beth’s emotions were all over the place and she couldn’t decide on the best course of action. “Maybe it would be better if I come home and check on Dad. That seems like the responsible thing to do.”

“I suppose in the end you have to do what feels right for you,” Dee said kindly. “But can you do me one favour?”

“What is it?” Beth asked when Dee went quiet.

“I’m probably about to upset you …”

“Just say whatever you want to say,” Beth said, already feeling a tightening in her chest.

“When you’re considering your options,” she began quietly, “can you think about what your mum would tell you to do?”

Big fat tears welled in Beth’s eyes, then dripped down her cheeks.

“I’ve made you cry, haven’t I? I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Beth sniffed. “It’s a good point.”

Through her tears, Beth managed to smile. Because she knew exactly what her mum would say – she’d tell her to stay where she was and have a fantastic summer exploring all that Scilly had to offer.

And that would definitely involve a fling, if possible.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

Almost as soon as she’d got off the phone, Beth marched determinedly over to Trystan’s cottage and rang the doorbell. As she’d suspected from the darkness inside, there was no answer. Going back to the patio, she staked out the cottage for an hour, then gave up and went to bed.

The following day Trystan was just as elusive. There was no sign of him out for his usual morning exercise. Likewise when Beth surreptitiously looked in the windows when she and Ellie had been passing. If he was avoiding her, it was understandable, but also annoying when she wanted to apologise.

“Want me to pour you a wine?” Mirren offered when Beth came down from putting Ellie to bed that evening.

“You must think I’ve got a drinking problem, sitting out drinking wine every evening.”

“Not at all. I was the same when the kids were young. Wine was always my treat once I’d got them into bed.”

Beth glanced out of the window, where she could see lights on at Trystan’s place. “I was wondering if I could ask you a favour … if you’re not going out, would you mind if I go for a quick walk? It doesn’t matter if not …”

“Of course. You get out. Why not have a wander into town? It’s a good bet that either Noah or Seren are working. You could prop up the bar and they’d keep you company.”

“I just thought I might have a wander along the beach. I won’t be long.”