Page 48 of The Summer Escape

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

Trystan told himself he was calling over to his mum’s place to let her know he was visiting Lowen and check if she needed him to take anything over there, but realistically he just couldn’t resist the opportunity to see Beth.

Ellie was playing outside and skipped over to him when she saw him walking towards the house.

“Good morning, Trystan,” she said in her adorably sweet voice.

“Morning,” he replied.

“I’m going to have breakfast outside.” She took his hand and they walked together.

“That’s the best way to eat breakfast. What are you having?”

“Toast,” she said, as Beth stepped outside with two plates in her hands.

The way she smiled when she saw him made him glad he’d called over before heading to Bryher. Visiting Lowen could be stressful, and spending time with Beth first felt like balancing things out.

“Do you want me to put some toast in for you?” she asked as she slid the plates on the table.

“No, I’m fine, thanks.”

“Coffee?” she asked, heading back inside.

“Coffee sounds good.” He helped Ellie push her chair closer to the table then sat beside her.

“I didn’t think we’d be seeing you this morning,” Beth said when she returned.

“Can’t stay away from you,” he said with a flirty smile, then wondered if he was coming on too strong again. Maybe he should try playing it cool.

“Do you want some of my toast?” Ellie asked. “I’m very good at sharing.”

“That’s very kind of you, but I already had my breakfast.”

“I bet it was something healthy,” Beth teased.

“Was it?” Ellie asked when he didn’t respond.

“I had a smoothie before my jog,” he said, smiling bashfully. “Then avocado on toast with a poached egg.”

“He’s much healthier than we are,” Beth told Ellie.

Trystan picked up his coffee. “Toast isn’t exactly unhealthy.”

“It is when you put this much butter and jam on it.” Beth raised her eyebrows and took a bite. “We’re on holiday though, so it doesn’t really count.”

Ellie held her toast out to him and he took a bite, not feeling he could refuse.

“That is a lot of jam,” he teased.

“We like jam,” Ellie said.

His mum stepped out of the back door. “I thought I heard your voice.”

“I’m going over to see Lowen in a bit. Is there anything you want me to take over there?”

“No. I was there on Monday. He’ll be happy to see you, though.”

Trystan would argue otherwise but smiled benignly and sipped his coffee. “I’ll take the boat.”