Three simple words. She felt herself suddenly strong, cocooned in the warmth of his support. Knowing she had someone who cared how things went, who was in her corner, made her feel that the world wasn’t entirely gloomy and impossible and complicated. She had been a bit hurt that Tom thought so poorly of her, so the simple act of someone caring how talking to him had gone made her feel protected and a bit less vulnerable, a little less misjudged. Yes, this afternoon with Tom was a surprise but now she felt infused with spirit. She could handle other people’s misperceptions, she could handle anything life threw at her; she had done so before and would not be beaten down by this. She took a deep breath and gave Alex the biggest smile she could muster.
‘All good,’ she said as she beamed like a lunatic.
Alex arched his brow and nodded slowly.
‘Great,’ he responded. ‘We’ve had a busy old morning. I had thought they might be tired after their five o’clock start but apparently not. We went to do a food shop when we left you and before we hit the beach and I suggested I could put them in the trolley seats if they were sleepy. It was like unleashing the dogs of hell. They informed me they weren’t babies and had no intention of riding in baby seats and instead took it in turns to push the trolley to prove it. And my own darling daughter decided she was in charge of what went in. You have no idea how many chocolate bars and crisps I had to put back on theshelves. I had to allow the popcorn just to prevent a full-on floor-bashing tantrum whilst your son very impressively put in things like hummus and satsumas. I’d quite like to keep him. You wanted Ellie this morning so we can swap if you want. Ellie pretended to cry when I point-blank refused to buy these things she had seen on the TV. Sam was almost as mortified as me and told her to stop. What was really impressive was that she listened, which was a miracle I was more than grateful for. You have no idea the sort of looks that women in supermarkets can give you when your child misbehaves.’
‘Oh, I do. Trust me. Some women just dish them out.’ She was so grateful for this torrent of babble; it further grounded her, cushioning her from earlier.
‘Of course you do. You got one from Marion yesterday, didn’t you?’
‘I certainly did. I didn’t know you had noticed!’
‘Not notice? It was virtually a scarlet-red laser of disapproval beaming from each eye. Hilarious. However, this morning I was on the receiving end of quite a lot of them. Most times I go shopping women give me these misty-eyed smiles and coo at Ellie, but not today.’
‘Oh, it’s a hard life being a dishy single dad.’
‘That’s the second time you’ve said that you think I’m gorgeous.’
‘Dishy isn’t gorgeous, and neither is ego. You want to watch that.’ There was no way in the world she was going to let him know what she actually thought.
‘How kind you are.’
‘Known for it. They’re having an amazing time.’ She nodded at the children and used them to change the conversational subject.
‘They are. Sam guided us to your spot. I didn’t realize we had stolen it last time, however he has given us permission to use it whenever we want.’
‘Oh, that’s sweet.’
‘Right. And you were so on the money about this being a great time of year to go in the water. I’ve only dipped a toe in but it’s really not bad.’
‘Do you know what? A swim is exactly what I need. If it’s not that bad does that mean you’re going to join me?’
‘Do you know what, I might. But I’m definitely going in my wetsuit.’
‘I’d tease, but truth is I’ve got my shorty on under this. I’ll keep an eye on the kids if you wanna go and get changed.’
‘Aha, I too have it on under my clothes.’
‘Hmm, that sounds like deliberate planning.’
‘A gentleman is always prepared.’ Alex smirked as he quickly undressed in front of her, dropping his clothes to the sand.
‘Really? I think I’ve just gone off you.’ Sylvie matched him, item for item, trying really hard not to look too closely. But dear God, the man was stripping off in front of her!
She quickly summoned a picture of Marion in an attempt to slow her rapidly pounding heart, hoping it was as effective as a cold shower and might prevent her from panting out loud.
‘Oh, hush your fuss. Last one in has a face like a turnip. Go!’
‘Aaah… Sam… Ellie… come on in and join us… aaah…’ and Sylvie and Alex pelted into the sea at high speed.
Chapter Nineteen
By the time they had finished splashing in the sea, even Sam had dared come in to his knees, and Sylvie had taught them to build the biggest fairy castle imaginable by dripping wet sand on top of wet sand, enthralling Ellie, who wanted her to make it higher, higher, higher whilst Sam carefully etched doors and windows so the fairies could get in and out and see the sea. Alex was exhausted. He didn’t know how the other three were still standing, but it was true about sea air being both invigorating and ensuring you got a good night’s sleep – he was ready to curl up for a nap.
They were now packing up and he realized he hadn’t had a chance to discuss Sylvie’s inquisition and he needed to find out more about how Ellie’s night had gone. Had she really been all OK?
‘Thanks for a great day.’ He smiled over at Sylvie as she helped Sam put his things back in his beach bag.
