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It was an unfortunate choice of words which she instantly regretted. ‘See you at the clubhouse launch, then?’ she added. A hopeful uplift had somehow crept into her tone. ‘I don’t expect your mum and dad will be able to come over?’

He shook his head. ‘Unfortunately, they can’t at the moment but they’re hoping to come for Christmas.’

‘That’s something. Your grandad would have loved to be there.’

‘He would, though he might have not wanted a big extravaganza like Dawn is planning, even if she has the best intentions.’ A smile came over his face.

Zennor smiled too, picturing Harry rolling his eyes and grumbling at ‘all the fuss’. ‘His style would have been to sink the first pint at the bar and then encourage everyone to get outside and train.’

Matt nodded. ‘I think he’d also say that we can’t keep looking back. It’s the here and the now that matters – and the future.’

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

In his office at Veryan Developments, Matt had run out of ideas. He’d finished his last task at Kernow Entz a couple of days previously and it was obvious to him that Zennor was suspicious about his frequent visits to fix stuff.

His mind had also been on the scene he’d witnessed in the deli café the other day. He’d called in to discuss an extension to the kitchen with the owner – a friend of Tyler’s – but had struggled to keep his mind on the job and off the scene he’d witnessed through the serving hatch.

When he’d arrived, Zennor and Trev were crammed into a table in the corner. While the owner had answered a query from the staff, Matt had had every chance to watch the two of them – and hear Zennor laugh. At one point, he’d seen Trev touch her hand. She hadn’t seemed to mind.

He’d had a sickening feeling in his stomach, feeling as if the years since their marriage hadn’t happened. They looked – happy. Trev was clearly in his element, having Zennor to himself, but she seemed relaxed and smiley too. They’d left with two older women, whom Trev had clearly charmed.

The incident had bugged him ever since he’d left the café, affecting the rest of his work day. He supposed it was inevitable that Zennor and Trev would be in each other’s company now he’d bought the hotel, yet did she have to look so pleased about it?

His mind kept wandering to Zennor and their last conversation at Kernow Entz. She’d seemed to be trying to build bridges with him, yet also wary of getting too close – perhaps she was regretting their kiss.

Matt wasn’t sure. He knew they’d made big strides from that first spiky encounter at her office but she was still holding back from him. Maybe Trev’s reappearance was making her nervous about getting involved with anyone from her past.

With a curse at his toxic thoughts, he went back to totting up the full cost of the materials and labour he’d supplied for the Surf Club when an insistent rap at the door made him start in his seat.

‘For f—’ Matt bit back the expletive.

The CCTV revealed Trev standing at the outside door to the unit, scrolling through his mobile. Matt allowed himself a deep breath. The guy turning up unannounced could only mean trouble.

Matt opened the door, pasting on a vaguely welcoming smile. ‘Hi. This is a surprise.’

‘Is it?’ Trev grinned and pointed at the unit. ‘Decent set-up you have here,’ he commented, as if he had expected to find Matt running Del Boy’s market stall. While functional, the unit was the ideal base for Matt and his contractors to park vans and store equipment and materials.

Matt managed a brief smile. ‘It’s not as glamorous as the St Piran’s, but it does the job.’

‘Yes. You’ve certainly come a long way since the old days.’

Ignoring this comment, Matt kept Trev standing outside the unit. ‘How can I help you? Is this visit work-related or a social call?’

‘It was – a surprise to see you at the music night,’ Trev said, bypassing Matt’s question. ‘You were the last person I thought would turn up at an event of mine.’

‘I was being honest when I said I’d do anything to help the club.’

‘Yeah. I swung by this morning. You and your team have done a good job on the renovations, I’ll give you that. I’m impressed. Those changing rooms and toilets were well past their sell-by date. Wouldn’t have wanted my kids using them – if I had any, but you know what I mean.’

Matt wasn’t sure if Trev was alluding to any kids he might have had with Zennor so he ignored this comment too. His reaction at seeing Trev so cosy with Zennor at the café was affecting his judgement. ‘Thanks, though I can’t take the credit, as you know. Everyone has mucked in. I’m guessing you’re not here to compliment me on the quality of the urinals …’

Trev curled his lip in a semblance of a smile. ‘No. Actually, I did want a word about something else.’

‘OK. If it’s work-related, I’m a bit busy right now but happy to make some time the week after next – once the Surf Club relaunch is over.’

‘It’s not work at all.’

‘In that case, I’m surprised you haven’t brought bouncers,’ Matt said.