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Layla screamed as another wave washed over her, the cold water making her gasp as she gripped Graham’s hand.
‘Had enough?’ Graham called across to her, his fingers laced with hers.
‘Absolutely.’ Laughing, she half-swam, half-ran out of the water onto the cold sand before grabbing their towels.
Taking them, Graham wrapped his quickly around him before holding Layla’s out, waiting for her to step closer before wrapping the soft, fluffy fabric around her shoulders. ‘At least we tried it.’
Layla looked out across the water. Half a dozen or so people were still swimming in the cold ocean. ‘Oh yes, we tried, but I think we can safely say wild water swimming, in the sea or otherwise, this early is not for us.’
‘I agree.’ Graham rubbed her shoulders, warming her skin beneath the towel. ‘I think it would have been fine even an hour or two later, but we definitely need the sun to warm the water first.’
‘Haha, yes!’ She looked up towards the bakery. ‘I can’t believe it’s my last day today.’
‘Yep, onto new pastures tomorrow.’ Graham grinned as he changed beneath his towel. ‘You’re still looking forward to starting at The Fern though, aren’t you?’
‘Definitely. Everyone seems really nice. Of course, it won’t be the same working with Elsie and the bakery family, but, still, I’m hoping it’ll be fun.’ Layla shrugged her dress over her swimsuit, she’d grab a quick shower at Elsie’s before her shift began. She’d brought a change of clothes with her. ‘And having the accommodation too is perfect.’
‘It sure is.’ Graham toweled his hair dry before pointing out towards the horizon. ‘Look, the sun is beginning to rise already. I bet that water will soon be toasty and warm.’
‘Umm, I’m not sure it’ll be toasty, but it’ll certainly be warmer in an hour or two.’ She laughed.
‘Oh, looks as though we didn’t do quite as bad as we thought.’ Graham nodded towards the group of swimmers as one by one they made their way out of the sea and towards their belongings.
Layla watched as a woman stooped to pick up her towel before calling across to them.
‘How great was that?’ The woman pulled on an oversized knitted jumper before wriggling into a skirt.
‘Honestly, it was a bit too cold for us.’ Layla grimaced.
‘Oh, that’s what I love about it. It really wakes me up.’ The woman nodded towards the promenade. ‘I don’t suppose you know what time the bakery up there opens, do you? I’ve come to volunteer there, but I don’t want to start hammering on the door and wake my new boss up.’
Layla grinned. ‘Elsie, the boss, is already up baking in the kitchens with Teresa. We’re heading that way now. Why don’t you come with us? It’s my last day volunteering there today.’
‘Really? Do I need to be warned about something?’ The woman picked up a large holdall and threw it over her shoulder.
‘Not at all. I was just volunteering there, like you. I’m starting my new job today.’ Layla took Graham’s hand as they walked across the beach towards the ramp leading up to the promenade. ‘You’ll love it there. You can’t beat the bakery family.’
‘Well, that’s a relief. I’m Erin. Nice to meet you.’
‘I’m Layla and this is Graham.’
