Page 87 of The Summer Escape

“No!” She sighed heavily. “I was chatting to her last night …”

Trystan squeezed his eyes shut as he shook his head. “What … Why?”

“I wanted to see how they were doing and find out how Ellie got on at school.”

“So you just called Beth?”

“Yes. You press a few buttons on the phone, wait for her to answer, then talk. You should try it!”

“Did she say she missed me?”

“Not in so many words.”

“Whatdidshe say?”

“Just asking if you were back in London yet. I almost put my foot in it there. I mentioned that you’d got the ferry back. She seemed curious as to why, but I changed the subject quick. I didn’t want to start talking about Jenny with her.”

Trystan’s gaze automatically roamed to the cardboard box at the side of the room that contained the dinner set Lowen had made for Jenny. When she’d called and asked him to transport it back for her, he’d agreed without much thought. He’d known as soon as he’d picked it up from Lowen there was no way he could take it on the plane given the weight of it. At Jenny’s pleading he’d taken it on the ferry instead. He’d then stupidly declined her offer to pick him up from Penzance, saying he could get the train.

“That bloody dinner set weighs a ton. I’ve got blisters on my hands from where the box cut into my fingers. Carrying that and my luggage was a nightmare.”

“I’m sure Jenny appreciates it.”

“I hope so. She hasn’t picked it up yet.” He leaned back on the couch, propping his feet on the coffee table. “What else did Beth say?”

“I can’t remember. Why don’t you call her if you want to know what’s going on with her?”

He let out a low growl. “Is Ellie okay? Was she happy to go back to school?”

“Yes, I think so.” She chuckled. “She’s so funny. The things she comes out with make her sound like a teenager sometimes.”

“Why, what did she say?”

“Telling me about a girl at school who had nail stickers. Ellie wanted some the same, but Beth took her shopping and they couldn’t find the right ones. Beth said she had a tantrum in the shop.”

“Nail stickers?” He chewed on his bottom lip. “What is that? Instead of nail varnish?”

“You put the sticker on after nail varnish. Nail art.”

“What was it that Ellie wanted that they couldn’t find?”

“Butterflies, I think she said.”

“I can probably find some. There’ll be more choice in the shops here.”

Mirren laughed. “Or you could just call them for a chat if you’re so keen to be in touch with them.”

“Can you give me Beth’s address? I’ll go shopping after work tomorrow and put something in the post for her.”

“I’m not sure if I should really share confidential guest information with you.”

“Mum! Don’t be annoying.”

“Message Beth and ask for the address.”

He squeezed the bridge of his nose. “You know Beth won’t mind. Can you please just give it to me?”

“Fine. I’ll find it and message it to you.”