‘You think so?’ asked Robin, wanting to believe him.
‘Yes, especially if she’d had a lot to drink, she was probably just giddy.’ There was a moment’s reflection before Jack added, ‘So how did the kiss come about?’
‘She just leant forward and kissed me on the cheek and said good night.’
‘You could just tell her how you feel? Put your cards on the table?’ suggested Jack.
‘Not now, Jasmine’s under too much pressure at the moment and…’
‘What?’
‘I don’t want to ruin our friendship.’
Jack nodded, understanding his mate’s predicament. He was at least glad that Robin had finally been open and honest about his feelings for Jasmine. Hopefully this could be the beginning of something good for him.
‘Give it time, Rob, you’ll know when to make a move.’ He elbowed him with affection. Then, changing the subject completely, asked, ‘Anyway, what are we doing for your birthday?’
‘Probably the usual,’ replied Robin, then tipped his head back to finish his drink.
‘Piss up at The Smugglers?’
‘Yeah, why not?’
Jasmine had made a decision. As welcoming and lovely as Bunty was, it was time to go home. A few more days had passed. Feeling confident that the press must by now have moved on to fresher news, she thought it safe to get back to her cottage. When voicing this to her host, Bunty had nodded in agreement.
‘I think we’re over the worst now, darling,’ she remarked.
Jasmine thought it sweet she’d used the term ‘we’ as opposed to ‘you’, giving the impression she wasn’t alone in this.
‘I’ll get Robin to come and fetch you.’
‘No, I’ll walk,’ replied Jasmine, wanting to stretch her legs and get some fresh sea air.
‘You sure?’
‘Yes, really.’
‘In that case, you’d better wait till after high tide,’ warned Bunty.
‘I know. I’ll get packed and ready,’ Jasmine said, then looked Bunty in the eye. ‘Bunty, thanks so much for having me. I really appreciate it.’
‘Not at all, darling, it’s been a pleasure having you.’
Jasmine was once again reminded how much time Bunty spent alone. She only wished this Perry was going to come up trumps.
Wheeling her suitcase down the tidal road, Jasmine breathed in the balmy atmosphere. Samphire Bay was still basking in the summer sunshine. It was now edging towards the end of August and wouldn’t be long before autumn put in an appearance, but for now the swaying beach grasses, yellow gorse and plentiful white flowering samphire flourished. Seagulls squawked over the vastness of the sea and a salt-laden breeze filled the air.
Jasmine was looking forward to getting back to her cottage, as well as her new garden studio. She was also excited about seeing Robin again. If being truthful to herself, she’d missed his company. It was odd not having him only next door.
After a good hour’s power walking, Jasmine had crossed the tidal road and was making her way down the coastal path. She could see the cottages in the distance and wondered what Robin and Jack were doing. She marvelled at the speed they worked at, and once again thought how fortunate she’d been to have them as neighbours.
A figure came into view, appearing to be looking down the cottage gardens. Jasmine squinted to get a better look. It was a woman with long, dark hair, wearing a white linen jumpsuit. Hardly beach wear, thought Jasmine suspiciously. What was she staring at? A sharp gasp escaped her. What if she was a reporter? No, Jasmine reasoned, this woman was empty-handed, no camera, notebook or pen. She was just staring at the cottages. How strange.
To Jasmine’s horror, the woman opened her garden gate and began walking down the path. Deciding to confront her, Jasmine sped up into an awkward jog, dragging her case along the stony path. Getting closer, she saw the intruder come back out of the garden gate.
‘Can I help you?’ Jasmine called.
The woman turned, saw Jasmine coming towards her and shot off. Jasmine ran faster to try and catch up, lugging her case behind, but wasn’t fast enough. The woman was now out of sight as Jasmine bent over and panted to get her breath back.Who the hell was that?
