Page 29 of Mistletoe and Mulled Wine at the Christmas Campervan

Lucy gave a mental air punch. At last, a breakthrough between them. Small steps, but it was progress.

Grey clouds massed ominously and there was a chill wind coming off the sea. Wrapped up in her thick winter coat, woolly hat and gloves, Lucy stepped down out of the Jeep and then scanned the car park whilst letting Daisy out of the back – no sign of Becky yet. She wandered across to the Beach Shack, tucked by the edges of the dunes. A warming cup of coffee was in order, and it might just help settle her nerves. It was the first time the friends had met in weeks. And as well as the gloomy sky above, there were still clouds hovering over their friendship.

The Beach Shack was a quirky converted container that made the most delicious barista coffees and hot chocolates. There was usually a tempting bake or two to choose from too – today’s were gooey chocolate brownies. The seating area was outside and consisted of weathered wooden benches. It was casual, yet perfect in a beachside way. Ideal for sandy toes, damp dogs and friendly (or at least she hoped so) chats.

‘Hi there …’ Lucy smiled at the girl behind the counter. ‘Umm …’ Should she order for Becky? She was pretty certain her friend would be having her favourite cappuccino, and she fancied a flat white herself; feeling more than ready for a coffee hit after another restless night.

Just as she ordered, she spotted Becky’s red saloon pulling into the parking area. She felt a lift of relief, swiftly followed by a pang of nerves.

She paid for their drinks, and headed over to a bench. Daisy spotted Becky heading their way and her tail began to wag effusively.

‘Hey …’

‘Hi.’ Lucy took a steadying breath. ‘You okay?’

‘Yeah. You?’

‘Yeah, I think so …’ Lucy stopped herself. ‘Honestly, no. It’s been a crap couple of days.’

It was awkward and lovely to be together again. The salty air seemed filled with so much that had yet to be said.

‘What’s happened, Luce?’ There was genuine concern in her friend’s tone.

‘Ah, someone’s only gone and let down all the tyres on my horsebox … some time on Saturday night. Slashed one, put nails in the others. It was on purpose, Becks. And that makes me feel so uneasy.’

‘Oh shit, that’s awful, Luce. Do you have any idea who?’

‘No. It was right outside my house. My new cottage, where I was rebuilding my life … and the horsebox, it’s my business, I’ve put everything into that … I’m still finding it hard to get my head around it, to be honest.’

‘No wonder. That’s so mean.’

Lucy took a sip of coffee. ‘Going to cost me a couple of hundred quid in new tyres too. That’s the last bit of savings I’ve got right now.’

‘That really sucks … I’m sorry, Luce.’

‘Yeah, I’m hoping it’s just been some yobs, a one-off.’

‘Hopefully. Well, it’s getting a bit chilly just sat here, shall we head off for that walk?’ Becky asked.

‘Yeah, good idea.’ They set off down the slipway and strolled the sands with their cardboard coffee cups to hand. The occasional dog walker passed, with a brief hello, plus a sniff and tail wag between the canines. Despite the cold wind and the broken-cloud grey-blue sky, the view was stunning. An expansive arc of blond beach stretched before them, with shimmering drifts of sand blowing. The sea was frothy and turbulent. There was a moodiness to the peachy-gold colours that hung in the gaps between smoky-pewter clouds. The scene was set in sultry washes like a watercolour painting.

Their footsteps padded in the damp sand.

‘So, are you still with him?’ Becky asked quietly.

‘Yes,’ Lucy answered simply. She knew the question was coming.

‘Uh-huh. And, how are things going then?’

‘Good, yeah.’

‘So, he must still be at the charming the pants off you stage?’

‘Look Becky, I know you’re finding this hard, me having a relationship with Jack, but … well, everything with you and Jack, it was all such a long time ago. I don’t get why you are still het up about it all … so bitter?’ It was time to get everything out into the open, no holds barred. It was the only way they were going to forge through to the other side.

Becky’s brow creased, ‘It’s not Jack I’m worried about. That’s so in the past, honestly. It’s you Lucy, I really don’t want to see you get hurt. You’ve only just got out from Loser Liam’s clutches. You deserve better … Someone who’ll be there for you, who’ll look after you.’

Lucy sighed. Yes, things with Jack were a bit complicated, but he still made her heart sing. ‘But Jack is my better … he makes me happy, Becky.’