Page 32 of The Seaside Cocktail Campervan

‘So, it’s the good old-fashioned method,’ he announced. ‘Wind the windows down!’

Lucy giggled as she wound the traditional plastic handle. A woosh of air blasted the cab, blowing her hair wildly. Even Daisy’s ears began to flap, bless her, as she sat there on Lucy’s lap.

‘So, let the good times roll,’ Jack shouted over the rumble of wind and the chug of the engine.

And it felt like summer … and seaside … and fun. All the worries of the world fading away. The here and now was all that mattered.

It wasn’t long before they took the turn towards the little coastal village of Newton-by-the-Sea, slowing as they reached the brow of the hill, where the view of the bay across to the ragged ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle was stunning.

‘Wow, it looks amazing today,’ was all Lucy could muster.

‘Beautiful, isn’t it.’

They both took in the view as Jack slowed, making the drive downhill at a leisurely crawl. The road ended here at a cluster of white-washed fishermen’s cottages, now converted into holiday lets and cosy homes. The Ship Inn, all old stone and the heart of many a mariner’s tales, nestled in one corner.

‘Thanks … for showing me Ruby … for bringing me here,’ Lucy whispered, barely able to tear her eyes away from the breath-taking scene. It was just a small trip out, not far from her cottage even, and yet it was so special. Lucy felt like she’d been set free.

‘You’re most welcome,’ Jack grinned.

‘Suppose we’ll have to head back …’

‘Yep, I’ll be blocking the entrance to the cottages.’

They somehow ended up singing on the way back. Jack, apologising for the lack of a radio, started by blasting out Bryan Adams’ ‘Summer of ’69’, along with the guitar noises and all. Lucy was stirred to join in halfway through; a shared love of soft rock was apparent, as they both knew the words. Hedgerows whizzed past, the wind in their hair, sun streaming through the windscreen. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so alive.

Back at her village ten minutes later, Jack parked up at the exact spot he’d left.

‘Ah … well, thanks for that drive, that was brilliant, and for the drinks earlier. I’ll definitely be having another of those Morpeth Mules sometime.’

‘Hah, my pleasure, and at our next event, don’t forget to tell the guests how good those cocktails are. And … I’ll be sure to let everybody know about your amazing pizzas too. What do you call the business again, Fired Up?’

‘Yep, All Fired Up.’

‘Okay, well I’ll drum up some extra business for you, for sure. When I get enquiries, I’ll check if anyone’s looking for food outlets as well as the cocktail bar.’

It felt so good to have his support. ‘Thanks, Jack. I appreciate that.’

There was a moment of silence as though strangely, neither felt quite ready to go. Maybe it was because it had been such a nice afternoon, with the drive and everything … a bit of much-needed time out. Or maybe, the Morpeth Mule had been stronger than she’d realised. Hmm, the fact she hadn’t eaten since her bacon sandwich at 10 a.m. might well be a factor too.

‘Right … well, I’ll just walk up the lane. There’re a few chores I need to get on with back home. It’s only five minutes to the cottage from here. Come on then, Daisy.’ Lucy turned to go.

‘Ah … well, let me walk you back.’ Jack, too, seemed reluctant to leave.

Well, Lucy could hardly say no, could she? But, despite the effects of an afternoon cocktail on a near-empty stomach and having had a lot of fun, she knew better than to do anything like ask him in. Her earlier fluttery tummy at seeing him, all male and muscular, coming out of the sea, was unwisely coming back in to play. Crikey, where were her thoughts taking her today? They hardly knew each other. It was all Becky’s fault last night, telling her to get back in the saddle. It was putting extremely dangerous images into her mind.

Jack wasn’t sure why he’d said that, about walking her back. He supposed he’d just enjoyed the afternoon, enjoyed her company. And he didn’t fancy turning up at his lodgings too soon. Sundays were often Matt and Jess’s together-days; he didn’t particularly want to be stuck in the house with them being all lovey-dovey. Okay, so it was Matt’s house, he appreciated that. They could do what they liked, but he didn’t have to be a witness to it all.

Maybe he’d squeeze in a quick visit to his parents’; they’d like that. There’d always be the chance of some supper there too. His mum was a good home cook and he knew that he was always welcome. He was sure she still made meals for three, or four, just in case …

But for now, he was going to make the most of strolling along on a sunny day with this attractive and interesting girl. She wasn’t half as cold and haughty as she liked to make out.

Daisy was trotting along between the two of them as they wandered back up the narrow road.

‘Been a lovely day. Great weather,’ Lucy said, a touch nervously, as they strolled, resorting to the safety of chit-chat.

‘Yeah, gotta make the most of days like these. One day sun, the next rain. Good old English weather.’

‘You’re right about that. And in Northumberland you can get all four seasons in one day.’