I rub my face clear of tears. ‘Everything got on top of me.’ I’m working so hard to keep my voice from wailing.
‘What can I do to help?’
I shake my head and finally feel composed enough to meet his eyes. ‘Nothing. It is what it is.’
‘There’s always something. Is it Jackson? I know he’s being a dick. He’s upsetting Mum now, too.’
‘It’s not all his fault.’
Milo tilts his head at me with a frown.
I swallow. ‘I’m so sorry about the letter I sent to the council. I know I ruined everything. And on top of what your mum’s going through …’ My words trail away. A simple apology doesn’t seem big enough.
‘Is that what’s eating you? It’s fine. Going full-time with the café was always a bit of a gamble. I can still use it for festivals and stuff. I don’t mind going back to the mechanic work.’
‘I’m not sure that’s how Jackson feels,’ I mumble, my eyes dropping to the sand again.
‘My brother doesn’t know what he’s feeling at the moment. Anyway, the café is mine, not his. And I’m telling you it’s all good. I sort of get the best of both worlds to be honest. The camper for events, but I get to hide in my garage as my day job. The café was a bit too peopley at times. At least with the garage I get a small dose of people, but I also get time to myself. It just might mean I have less time for my restoration projects, that’s all.’
‘Really?’ I stare at him hopefully. ‘I’m still really sorry though.’ My eyes begin to water again.
His fingers close gently around my arm. ‘What else is eating at you?’
I sigh. ‘Reeni’s not talking to me because I was vile to her. My parents are furious with me, and I should be organising the photography barbecue evening because I know it’s a good idea, but I’m too chicken. I’m fucking useless.’ I bury my head in my hands.
Milo pulls my hands down. ‘What’s stopping you doing the photography thing?’
‘Reeni was going to help and organise the food. I can’t do it all on my own.’
There’s a pause in the conversation. Milo is scooping up sand and letting it drain through his fingers.
‘I’ll help,’ he says. ‘I’ll bring the van. The Beach House is private property, so I won’t need a licence. I’ll do the food and drink for you. It can be my first trial run at a private event.’
‘Would you?’ A tiny glimmer of light begins to glow in my head.
‘Of course. When were you going to do it?’
‘Next week. I made up some posters, but I haven’t put them up anywhere.’
‘Come on, then.’ Milo is on his feet, his arm extended to offer me his hand. ‘No time like the present.’
‘Are you sure you don’t mind helping?’ I say, as he pulls me to his feet.
He tilts his head with a frown. ‘That’s a daft question. Why wouldn’t I help?’ He reaches out and squeezes me close as I cling to him, his gentle touch comforting.
We break apart slowly. ‘As long as you don’t get a black eye for your troubles,’ I say, looking up at him.
He chuckles. ‘I can handle myself with my brother. Don’t worry about that.’
I smile. ‘How come you’ve not been swept off your feet by a good woman?’
‘Ah. Plenty of women have tried. I’m picky. And the one I wanted was already taken.’ He winks at me. ‘Now, before you chicken out again, we are going to do this.’ His eyes travel back and forth across my face, as his lips twitch into a cheeky grin. ‘Oh, and by the way, you’re not fucking useless.’
I shake my head, laughing softly as I give him a shove, grateful for his friendship even if my heart is somewhere else.
Milo helps me hand out the dozen hand-drawn posters that I’d made up with the details of the photography evening on them. People were happy to pin them up and everyone commented on what a good idea it was. A couple of people even signed up then and there to attend. When we have no more left, he persuades me to go back to his to say hello to his mum on the understanding Jackson won’t be there.
Sophie is awake and sitting up in bed, talking to Sally, when we get there. Now we’re here, Sally gets up to leave. She cups her friend’s cheek, her touch tender, then nods to me and has a quick word with Milo on her way out.
