Page 19

‘Or that’s the theory because I still haven’t booked a mermaid,’ Zennor added before draining the last of the coffee.

‘I wish I could help you there but even Sybil the Storyteller can’t be in two places at once. Besides, I didn’t get past my first badge at school.’

‘Don’t worry. You’re doing me a big favour already.’ Zennor chewed her bottom lip. ‘And … I’ve decided that I’ve no choice but to play the mermaid myself.’

Actually, Matt’s unexpected presence at the rock pool had finally made up her mind when she’d seen the weed fronds waving below his body. She should have walked away sooner but found herself rooted to the spot, unable to deny herself the pleasure of watching him unobserved.

She’d enjoyed watching him far too much. Since his return, she’d awoken too many times having dreamed – or told herself she’d dreamed – about his hands around her waist, his fingers splayed at the small of her back, his thumbs slipping down the edge of her bikini bottoms.

‘Zennor? Did you just tell me that you’re going to dress up as a mermaid for this children’s party?’ Sybil was staring at her with raised eyebrows, which wasn’t encouraging.

Zennor shook Matt from her mind. ‘I know. Terrible idea.’

‘No, no,’ Sybil said soothingly, much to Zennor’s relief. ‘It isn’t a terrible idea. You are a very strong swimmer but have you tried swimming in the tail? I hear they’re really difficult to deal with.’

‘I haven’t tried one yet, though I’ve seen the professionals using them. They’re monofins concealed inside fabric or silicone. The one the troupe loaned me is a cast-off.’

‘A cast-off?’ Sybil’s eyebrows rose. ‘Do mermaids shed their tails often?’

Zennor laughed. ‘No, but they can be damaged. Mostly, though, they like to update the designs. The silicone tails are the best but they are very heavy out of the water.’

‘Well, well. I thought I’d heard and seen everything about mermaids but I’d no idea about the logistics.’

‘Nor me. The good news is, even though they can’t do the party, they said they’d give me a quick practice session if I wanted one – and I’ll definitely need one!’

‘I’m very glad to hear it. You’re not thinking of swimming in the open sea, are you?’

‘No. The professionals do but I’m not familiar enough with the monofin so I’ve decided to sit on the rocks next to the Miners’ Pool below the hotel. I’ve swum there loads of times and it will look like I’ve just popped up from the sea to comb my hair or whatever. I’ll do a few dives and hang around looking mermaidy and then swim round to Bosigran Cove.’

‘I know the Miners’ Pool well. It’s beautiful but Bosigran Cove is difficult to access down the cliffs. How are you going to get you and the tail back up to the top?’

‘Roo and her husband have said they will be waiting in the cove to help me if I need them – I just need to confirm.’

Sybil blew out a breath in approval. ‘I’m very impressed at the planning but I hope you don’t mind me saying this is a lot of trouble for a children’s party.’

‘It is but I’ve said I’ll do it and those kids have had to give up so much already. I want this one thing to be perfect for them.’

‘Well, I hope the weather and tides play along too.’

‘They were the first thing I checked. The forecast is fine and calm. I’m pretty confident it will be OK. I know what I’m doing.’

‘I’ve no doubt. I can’t wait to see it. Roll on Saturday. You know,’ she said, ‘I don’t want to get all sentimental, but I really am very proud of you. You always do go the extra mile to make sure everyone is happy.’

‘Do I?’ Zennor felt a little embarrassed at the praise. ‘Is that a good thing?’

‘Most times, yes. It’s about judging how far to go and that’s the difficult thing. It’s just great to see you … blossoming again after what happened with Trev. You were so quiet when you were younger. I didn’t expect you to follow in my footsteps. You were slow to come out of your shell at school but look at you now.’ Sybil smiled. ‘In fact, I’ve been meaning to show you something I found when I was having a clear-out. Now seems a good time. Come inside with me.’

Her curiosity piqued, Zennor followed Sybil into the cottage. Even on a hot June day, the thick walls and small windows kept a lot of light and heat out.

Sybil led her into a small area off the sitting room which she used as a study. She switched on a lamp on the bureau and unlatched the door which folded down to create a writing surface.

Inside the bureau were pigeonholes stuffed with envelopes and a packet of photographs.

‘Remember when we still had to take a roll of film to the chemist to be developed? You probably won’t.’

‘Erm. I vaguely remember the little plastic pods but I was only little.’

‘Well, I certainly do and I found these.’