I click off several photographs as I follow the redbrick path, inwardly singing an adapted version of ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’ fromThe Wizard of Oz. I walk out of the resort gates and turn left, making my way along the concrete footpath adjacent to the shore in the opposite direction to the rock-climbing cliffs. The further away from the resort I go, the less pristine the beach becomes. I pass a few rustic cafés, restaurants and bars, with rickety corrugated-iron ceilings and no walls. The atmosphere seems chilled and the décor unfussy, as laidback punters sit and enjoy the views across the bay.
Everything feels more authentic out here – even the trees aren’t as well-maintained.
I pass a couple of resorts, more shops and bars and various huts arranging excursions, activities and tours. Eventually, I come to the bar where Isak said he’d meet me. I go inside and order a beer, then sit down and wait. He joins me after only a few minutes.
‘Do you live nearby?’ I ask him as he grabs a beer for himself.
‘Just around the corner,’ he confirms.
‘Have you been there long?’ I’m trying to work out if it’s the same apartment Nicki would’ve written about.
‘Just a year,’ he replies.
That’s a no, then.
‘Do you think you could take me for a look around before it gets dark? Show me the places that might’ve inspired Nicole? I’d like to take some photos.’
‘Okay,’ he agrees.
We finish our beers and then set off. There is a whole bustling community right outside the doors of our exclusive, secluded resort. I’d like to bring Charlie and April back here – they should get to see another side of Thailand.
We wander around for ages past vibrant, colourful bars and shops and don’t actually end up eating because I’m getting so much material for the book. I’m famished by the time we say our goodbyes. Isak gives me his contact details in case I want to catch up with him again.
On my way back to the hotel, I grab something from a street food stand. It’s late and Charlie will have eaten by now. He’s probably in bed.
He’s not. He’s waiting up for me, sitting on the armchair and reading a magazine.
‘Hey!’ I say, thrilled to see him.
‘How was it?’ he asks, unhurriedly flipping his magazine shut.
‘It was fine,’ I reply.
‘Where did you go for dinner?’
‘We didn’t. I just wanted to look around and soak it all up.’
‘Are you seeing him again?’ he asks as I flop onto the sofa.
‘Not sure.’ I lie back and stare up at the ceiling fan, whirring around. ‘I’ve got his details if I need them. Not tomorrow night, though. I’m desperate for that Thai.’ I turn my head and smile at him. ‘How are you guys? What did you have for dinner?’
He sighs. ‘We’re fine. I got a burger, April had pasta.’
‘Were you lonely?’ I tease with a grin. ‘Did you miss me?’
He rolls his eyes at me.
I’m glad I’m able to joke with him again. I’m getting used to being back in his company, even if my feelings towards him have intensified like you wouldn’t believe.
‘Did April go to sleep okay?’
‘She took a while to go down, actually. I thought she was knackered, so I don’t know what was wrong with her.’
‘She missed me, too,’ I say playfully.
‘That did cross my mind.’ He’s not smiling.
‘Isak wanted me to pass on his condolences,’ I tell him gently. ‘He said he was very sorry for your loss. He remembers you.’
