‘The rent you insisted on giving me, I kept it in a separate account for you.’
‘But…that’s years of—’
‘Yes, I know,’ he cut in, ‘and I’ve been saving it to give back, plus the interest, when the time was right. Now is the time,’ he said with a kind smile.
‘Oh, Dad!’ She ran and wrapped her arms round him.
At least it would help to give her a bit of breathing space, until she decided on what to do next.
‘Have faith in yourself,’ whispered Perry.
‘It’s freezing!’ wailed Jasmine as her feet entered the sea. Robin had already braved the cold and dived straight in.
‘Come on! It’s not so bad when you get used to it,’ he called back laughing, then ducked his head under the waves. Swimming underwater, he made his way to the edge where his girlfriend was hesitantly wading in with a grimace on her face. Eventually he coaxed her in further.
‘This has got to be the last time this year we do this,’ she shivered, treading water.
When Jasmine had first moved to Samphire Bay it had been a glorious summer. She had soon developed the routine of an early morning dip, leaving her invigorated to start the day. And she’d certainly needed the kick start, ploughing all her energy into the work on her cottage. It was more than just good luck she’d had Robin as a next-door neighbour, renovating the adjoining cottage as his next building project. Now, the two of them were enjoying a new romance, which had developed over that summer.
‘Come on, I’ll race you!’ cheered Robin, laughing at her reluctance to get swimming.
‘No, you always cheat.’ She shivered, hugging herself.
‘No, I won’t, promise.’ He smiled, admiring her shapely, tanned arms. ‘Ready, steady, go!’
Off they set, splashing along the waves. For once, he deliberately slowed down and let Jasmine overtake him. She turned a few moments later, noticing the distance.
‘You let me win!’ she shouted.
‘I never,’ he replied in mock indignation.
‘Yes, you did,’ she chuckled, making her way over to him.
He reached out and embraced her cold body. Then kissed her shoulder, which was covered in goosebumps.
‘Let’s get back,’ he said, giving her a quick squeeze.
Once back at Jasmine’s cottage, Robin soon got the wood burner blasting out warmth. They sat by it, drinking tea and munching toast. Robin looked at the clock.
‘Best get going soon, Jack’ll be wondering where I’ve got to.’
Jack was his best friend and business partner. Together they renovated properties, and when they had finished working on the cottage next door to Jasmine’s, Robin had at first considered keeping it for himself instead of selling it. In the end, he had decided against it, admitting the main reason for keeping it was to be near to Jasmine. Once their feelings for each other had eventually come out in the open, he was happy for Bunty to buy the cottage.
For now, he was quite happy living in his apartment which sat sheltered behind a small wood near to the bay. Converted from a large Victorian property, the place had served him well, giving him splendid views of the coastline and friendly neighbours. It was just the right size for a single person, easy to maintain and, best of all, it was in Samphire Bay. For now, he was content in living between his apartment and stopping the odd night at Jasmine’s cottage. It suited them both, giving them each space as well as time together.
‘I think Jack will have an idea where you are,’ grinned Jasmine, ‘and no doubt have some quick remark to make.’
Robin laughed. ‘Probably.’
Jack wasn’t exactly known for his subtlety. He was quite the opposite to Robin, not just in looks, but personality too. Whereas Robin was dark haired and rather shy, Jack was blond and full-on with his teasing. It had taken a while for Jasmine to warm to him, initially being put off with his sense of humour. Now, she just accepted who Jack was and that he was probably better for knowing.
‘Maybe it’s time we try to find Jack a girlfriend, see if that’ll stop his teasing?’
Robin considered the idea before shaking his head dolefully. ‘I’m not sure if he’ll ever be ready to settle down.’
‘Oh, I don’t know,’ Jasmine said with a small smirk. ‘My mum always jokes that there’s something in the water here at Samphire Bay.’ She wrapped her arms around Robin’s waist and leant her head against his chest. ‘Just look at us.’
Perhaps there was some truth in that? Jasmine and Robin’s broken hearts weren’t the only ones to be healed at Samphire Bay. Bunty and Perry, after years of separation, had also been reunited, mending their hearts too. So maybe there was something in the water?
