The wind has picked up a little and the breeze is lifting my hair and pushing it across my face along with his familiar scent.
‘Did you get my text? We’ve got to close.’
Fright spikes me as nausea rises to the back of my throat. ‘Is there no way to stop it?’
He shakes his head, angry, the muscle pulsing in his jaw. ‘I’m sick to death of people. Why can’t they mind their own business?’
‘Can I do anything?’ I ask, desperate for a way to fix what I broke.
‘No. I’ll have to apply with the correct paperwork again. And Milo will have to go back to his garage work full-time. Good job he enjoys it.’
The tension enveloping me becomes heavier and I rub at my nose.
Jackson tries to shift gears. ‘On a brighter note, how’s the photography night prep coming? Please tell me you’ve thought about it?’
I tuck my flying hair behind my ear only for the breeze to whip it free again. ‘It’s a really good idea. I’ve already started designing an advertising poster.’
‘Good on you.’ He pauses to turn to face me. ‘You’ll be brilliant at it.’
I smile at him, but it’s only half-hearted. My letter to the council is consuming me. He reaches to touch my arm and I flinch, stepping back out of reach.
His eyes narrow in a frown. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘Nothing.’ I shrug as nonchalantly as I can.
He tilts his head at me, sceptical. ‘Is it the camper?’
‘No.’ The word shoots out of my mouth and without thinking, it’s followed by, ‘Yes. I mean yes.’
‘You don’t have to worry. I’ll sort it.’ He reaches for me again and I curl my hand away, avoiding his touch.
‘It was me. I sent the letter to the council,’ I blurt out. I’ve kept enough secrets for one lifetime. I can’t start keeping them all over again.
There’s a horrible stretch of silence.
‘You did what?’ The soft tone in his voice has disappeared.
‘I was mad at you. You wouldn’t move it and I …’ My voice fades to nothing and I stare at the sand.
‘What the hell, Ellie?’ It’s not a shout, but his words are hard enough that I recoil from him. ‘Do you even know the trouble you’ve caused? That’s our main income because Milo has scaled right back on his mechanic work. He just wanted to do the car restoration as a hobby.’
‘You’ve got your business in Australia,’ I say, clutching at straws.
‘I can’t take money out of that while I’m here. Milly’s runningit single-handedly as it is. Fucking hell.’ He spins away and his disappointment in me stings.
My hand aches from wanting to reach out and touch him. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘Anything else you’re hiding while we’re at it?’
I swallow and saliva sticks in my throat. I’m saved from having to answer as a lady with a black Labrador stops by us.
‘Hi, Jackson. How’s your mum doing?’
‘Really well, thanks.’ I can hear the strain in his voice and his smile hasn’t quite made it to his eyes. ‘She’s getting a little stronger all the time.’
‘That’s so good to hear. We do miss her at tennis. Tell her we’re thinking of her, won’t you? I must call over and say hi.’
‘Please do. She’s looking forward to getting back on court.’
