Cockle Shell Castle at Comet Cove is Mum and David’s destination for this evening, and as we often come this way for walks, we’ve brought Shadow along the beach with us, and now we’re lounging on the dry sand up above the tideline. Cockle Shell Castle claims to be the world’s cosiest castle and as it’s also where the famous gin is distilled. It has lots going for it.
I laugh. ‘It all looks pretty starchy and upmarket. I’m not sure how Mum and David would feel about us being on the guest list.’ I’m not sure I could handle meeting them face-to-face socially either.
The castle facade has a monumental nailed front door at the centre, symmetrical turrets to each side and lawns that run down to the shingle behind us. From where we’re sitting, we can see the guests milling beyond the shrubbery, sipping their drinks next to white painted chairs arranged across the grass.
Kit gives a shrug. ‘I’m not sure what Rye’s expecting, but it doesn’t look the kind of do where anyone’s going to get their face snogged off.’ He frowns into the distance at the ladies wafting around in their heels and impeccably ironed tea dresses, and gives me a sideways glance. ‘Wouldthatbe your kind of evening? You do wear nice dresses.’
It’s funny that he has to ask. ‘Cocktails would be cool if they’re made from alcohol-free gin.’ I hope I’m not sounding too picky. ‘If they swapped the quartet for dance anthems, I’d be up for that!’
He laughs. ‘I personally feel that classical strings are best enjoyed drifting on the breeze.’
I’m with him on that. ‘Ideally from a distance of at least a hundred yards, which means we’re very well placed here.’ I rest my chin on my hand as I stare out to sea. ‘The funny thing is, if you’d asked me, I’d have said my mum was the same as us. And suddenly there she is, listening to Air on a bloody G string, and tilting her head like she’s savouring every last note.’ I can’t actually see her, I just know it’s what she’ll be doing. And she’s the woman who sands woodwork to Adele and rolls paint onto her walls to Queen’s greatest hits.
Kit grins at me. ‘You like dancing then?’
I nod. ‘Doesn’t everybody?’ That was a stupid answer. Not that I’d ever compare, but Dillon always left the dancing to the women, while he hugged the bar with the guys.
He twitches his mouth. ‘I was thinking how great it would be to have an evening of dancing on the harbourside after the sponsored jump.’ His eyes are sparkling as he speaks. ‘I’m not dumping this on you, but we could get Rye to bring along the hotel sound system. If we sorted out string lights and bunting, a bar and some burgers, we could dance the night away and get more cash rolling in too.’
It sounds perfect. ‘Sponsored by Love2Love Atelier. You’re on!’
‘That’s a date then!’
As it could be weeks away, I have to say, ‘It’s a long time ahead for people taking things an hour at a time.’
He grins. ‘Luckily for us, you already talked me into taking an optimistic view.’
I’m thinking back to what Sophie said about not getting hurt. ‘Summer’s the best time for fun without a future.’ I’m picking up a doubtful shadow passing across his face, and it sets off the doubts in me. ‘You do still like it?’
His lips twist into a smile. ‘Hell, yes.’
‘Even though we haven’t even gone all the way yet… You’re still okay with that?’
He grins at me. ‘There are no complaints from my side.’
Now we’ve got this far into this discussion, it seems like a good time to check. ‘And if wediddecide to stop the sleeping together, we’d still be okay to carry on working together and waving at each other across the dune?’
He raises his eyebrows. ‘That’s what no-ties fun is all about. It’s completely separate from the rest of our life.’
I nod. ‘The emotion box stays completely closed, so whatever happens, there’s no drama or big deals.’ Sophie would be proud that we’ve covered every aspect there. I laugh. ‘Sorry for making this sound like more than it is. We can go back to the job we’re doing now.’
‘All good, Flossie Flapjack-face.’ He laughs and pulls me towards him and into a very sweet but sexy kiss. ‘I’m assuming Rye is hoping we’ll catch a glimpse of the couple as they’re leaving the venue. The next question, is what shall we do in the meantime?’
I rest my head on his shoulder. ‘We could lie and watch for the stars to come out, then watch for shooting stars once it’s darker.’
‘How many of those have we seen so far?’
I stifle a yawn. ‘That’s why it’ll be magical when wedosee one. It’s my mission of the summer, to see a shooting star.’
‘Are you sleepy?’
‘It’s more that your shoulder is really comfy.’ The truth is, since our first stargazing adventure on the dunes we’ve had every night together, and with the late nights and early mornings, I’m dead on my feet.
‘If you need a little snooze, Shadow and I can chat amongst ourselves.’
I’m easing back and the worn denim of his shirt is soft against my face. ‘Five minutes? Wake me up if I snore.’
The last thing I hear is the rumble of his voice under my ear saying. ‘I will.’
