‘Although it’s often the last thing you feel like facing, it does seem to work.’
‘I know. It’s so annoying when he’s right.’
‘So where did you go?’
‘Oh, to a little place up on the cliffs, further along the coast.’
Tilly nodded. ‘Seems a long way to go just for breakfast.’
I caught the hint of suggestion in her voice.
‘Don’t start.’ I laughed. ‘I’ve already explained this once today to Amy. We bumped into The Siren when we came out of his house. He panicked and told her we were going out for the day. He said if she saw him come back earlier, she’d be round. I think he’s a little scared of her, to be honest!’
‘Bless him.’
‘I know.’
‘So, we popped back here so I could change, got breakfast and then went rock-pooling, of all things.’
‘Blimey, I haven’t done that for years.’
‘No, neither had I. It was nice, actually. Charlie was off taking photos, and I was poking around in pools and just swishing my feet in the sand. It was really relaxing; I have to say.’ I left out the bit where I’d burst into tears and ruined Charlie’s pristinely pressed, expensive hanky.
‘Sounds lovely.’
I smiled. ‘Yeah, it was.’
Tilly was quiet for a moment, and I could see the cogs whirring.
‘You know, we could do an “everyday” blog post on that.’
‘What?’
‘The rock-pooling and stuff.’
‘Oh, I don’t know. It was just a quiet day, Tilly. I’m not sure people would be too interested in me spending half an hour trying to see an invisible crab.’
‘No, they would, really! I promise.’
‘I didn’t take any pictures.’
‘But Charlie did. Can’t you get some off him?’
‘He’s over in Asia on a business trip now.’
Tilly looked at me. ‘Err, hello? Email? WhatsApp?’
‘I don’t even know if he’s got the photos with him.’
‘You can ask.’
‘OK, fine. I’ll ask.’
I picked up my phone, and started typing Charlie a message.
?? Hiya, hope you had a good flight. Quick question. Told Tilly about beach trip – well, most of it… She thinks people will be interested in the fact I went rock-pooling (!!). I’m not convinced but there we go. Wondered if you might have a couple of photos you wouldn’t mind me putting up on the blog of the beach and stuff? Obviously I’d credit you! Not to worry if not, really doesn’t matter. Have a fab day and talk to you soon. Xxx
I put the phone down and pulled my to-do list back up on my screen. ‘OK, I’ve asked him. But I’m not sure—’
