Page 25 of The Perfect Gift

‘What if we combined forces? Built a business where we could teach kids to sail and educate them about marine protection at the same time?’ Jago shrugged. ‘I don’t even know if that’s a viable option, and it’s probably not the sort of thing you had in mind.’

It was beyond anything in Ed’s wildest dreams. He’d pictured something similar to his current work – research and education for enthusiastic adults. Working with kids would be a whole different ball game, but the oceans were in dire straits and the only way to save them would be to get everyone invested. And the younger they started…

‘It was just a thought, but don’t let me hijack your plans.’

Ed couldn’t miss the hint of disappointment in his father’s voice though he did his best to hide it behind a hearty smile. It had honestly never occurred to Ed for a moment that anyone else in the family would be interested in what he wanted to do. The chance to build a business with his father? It was almost too good to be true. ‘I think it sounds amazing, though I have no idea where or how we’d even start.’

Jago laughed. ‘Me neither! But it’s not like we need to rush into anything. I’m not in my dotage yet and you’ve got the world to explore first.’

Ed grinned, the excitement roaring back into life. ‘I have.’ And now he also had something to come home to when the time was right.

14

Frankie didn’t know if it was the security of having the extra bolt on the front door or her chat with Ed, but she was out like a light the moment her head touched the pillow and she wasn’t aware of anything until her alarm went off the following morning. Getting out of bed wasn’t a problem but as she pulled on her running kit it was almost like she was dressing someone else, her body and brain not quite connected. It was as if part of her was still asleep, and the feeling lingered until she let herself out of the back door of the cottage. The first slap of the cold wind against her bare cheek jolted her more fully into herself and, rather than hunker down against it, Frankie tugged off her woolly hat and unzipped the neck of her thermal running top to let the freezing air work its magic. The beach behind the cottage was deserted, the only sound the roaring of the waves as the wind drove them high onto the sand. She broke into a slow trot, the sluggish feeling fading with every step. Her heart rate increased with her pace and as she turned into the wind for her return route back to the cottage, the wind stung tears from her eyes. Her hair whipped around her face and she could feel the sweat forming at the base of her spine. It was stimulating, exhilarating and when she finally reached the back garden and bent over as she tried to fill her aching lungs with enough breath, she knew she wasn’t ready to give it up.

The zinging energy from her run lasted through her shower, the rest of her morning preparations and all the way to the front door of The Cosy Coffee Pot. ‘Good morning!’ she sang out to Issy as she approached the counter.

‘Well, hello! You’re very chipper this morning.’

‘I had such a good sleep and a lovely run on the beach this morning. The air here is so invigorating, don’t you think? So different from the heavy, fuggy air in London at this time of year.’

‘If invigorating is code for bloody freezing, then yes, I suppose so,’ Issy said with a laugh. ‘Usual order?’

‘Yes, please. I’m going to take it away though, if you don’t mind. I want to get to set early as I’ve got a few admin things to sort out before we start filming and I think it’s going to be another long day.’

Issy shot her a sympathetic smile. ‘How’s it going?’

‘We’re getting there.’ Frankie crossed her fingers just in case she jinxed anything.

‘Everyone must be desperate to get finished so they can go home.’ Issy sighed. ‘I don’t blame them, but I’ll be sorry when you’ve finished. It’s so quiet here in the winter months and it’s been lovely to have a buzz about the place.’

It was on the tip of Frankie’s tongue to mention she might not be rushing off with the rest of the crew, but she decided to wait and see if she could take over the rest of the lease on the cottage first – something else she didn’t want to jinx, she thought, crossing her fingers once more. ‘If this is what you consider a buzz then I’m not sure you’d get on well in London.’

Issy grinned. ‘Oh, I don’t mind a bit of city excitement now and then. Liam and I spent last Christmas in New York and the sights and sounds were incredible.’

Frankie had been to the US a few times but never made it to New York. Even if she wasn’t a big fan of Christmas, she’d seen enough of the iconic images of the city to picture it in her mind’s eye. ‘I bet it was spectacular!’

‘It really was and we made so many special memories there.’ Issy held up her left hand and showed off the sparkling diamond ring on her finger. ‘We got engaged there.’

‘Oh my God! Now that is definitely a story you’re going to have to share with me.’ Frankie flicked a glance at the clock on the wall. ‘But can we save it for later?’

Issy laughed. ‘Of course. Right, let me sort out those drinks for you.’ She turned her back and began brewing coffee on the enormous silver machine that dominated the back counter. ‘Hey,’ she said, glancing over her shoulder. ‘I hope you don’t mind me asking, but when are you planning to head home?’

Frankie recalled Ed’s invitation to spend Christmas with his family and her stomach gave an excited flutter at the thought. She still didn’t know if staying on was an option, not until she’d spoken to the production team, so she decided to hedge her bets. ‘I’m not sure yet, it depends on when we finish… Why do you ask?’

Issy finished making the first drink and moved on to the next one. ‘The boys are getting together on Thursday night for a beer to welcome Ed home, so Kat, Chloe and Anya are coming over for a girls’ night. I just thought if you were still around that you might like to join us?’

Frankie’s heart soared. She’d never been included in a girls’ night before. Never been part of a friendship group that did that kind of thing. ‘Are you sure I wouldn’t be intruding?’

Issy tamped the jug of hot, frothy milk on the counter then began topping up the takeaway cups she’d lined up. ‘Not at all, we’d love to have you! Anya wants to put Freya to bed first so any time after half-seven, if that works for you.’

‘Sounds great. Like I said, I’m not sure of my plans yet and there might be an end-of-shoot party or something, so can we play it by ear?’

‘Of course.’ Issy placed the drinks in a cardboard tray and set them in front of Frankie. ‘I’ve got loads of Prosecco in the fridge and we’re going to order a couple of pizzas on the night so just come along if you’re free.’

Frankie took out her bank card and tapped it on the payment machine. ‘That’s really sweet of you. I’ll try and make it if I can.’

‘Great!’ Issy smiled. ‘It would be lovely if we can all get together and say goodbye before you leave.’