Page 68 of The Summer That Changed Us

‘Fancy a trip to Merle Bay, Mum?’

Finally, Robyn got her phone back and took her seat again.

‘Thank you for sharing, Robyn,’ Pam beamed. ‘That sounds like the perfect self-care. Now, anyone else … ’

Robyn’s heart was racing while the discussion continued around her. That had been so much fun, and the others seemed to be really interested in what she had to say. She was so glad she’d come, she felt invigorated and … a bit more like the old Robyn.

At the end of the session, Sadie approached her.

‘No pressure,’ she said, leading her away from a group who were asking for directions to Merle Bay. ‘But how would you feel about leading a sea glass walk, like you mentioned, and possibly running a workshop to make a mosaic?’

Robyn hesitated, wondering whether she really wanted to share the beach with everyone; one of the things which made it so special was how deserted it was.

‘We’d pay, of course,’ said Sadie, possibly noticing her reticence and named a generous sum.

Robyn thought back to the measly balance of her bank account. There were a lot worse ways of earning money than spending a few hours on the beach with women whom she could relate to.

‘I’d like that very much,’ Robyn grinned, taking Sadie’s number.

She left the session feeling far more confident than when she’d arrived: she’d had some advice about Finn, made some new friends and generated a potential source of income. And with a sea glass walk organised for Saturday, the Sea Glass Sisterhood might well have just swelled its membership by a considerable number.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Grace had cabin fever today and needed to get out. Sea Glass House was gorgeous, but she was rattling around it like the last strawberry cream in the tin of Christmas chocolates. Grey pillowy clouds were scudding across the sky, and she wouldn’t be surprised if there was a storm brewing, but frankly she was willing to risk it. After ten whole days of letting herself wallow after talking to Ned, it was time to pick herself up, straighten her crown and set forth.

She was in the process of hunting down her umbrella when her phone rang.

A glance at the screen told her it was Zoe. Grace steeled herself. She should really take this call and get it over with. She’d been avoiding talking to her sister for days because she knew she’d end up telling her about what Ned had confirmed; she wouldn’t be able to keep it out of her voice. It was one thing Robyn and Katie knowing the truth about Myles, but they were part of her new life and they’d never known him. Telling Zoe was going to make Myles’s affair or one-night stand, whatever it was, seem far more real. Plus, Zoe was going to be devastated on Grace’s behalf and furious with Myles. It was all about to get messy.

‘Zoe! Just caught me.’ Grace tucked the phone under her chin as she continued rummaging through her various bags in the bedroom.

‘Caught you what – in flagranté I hope?’ Zoe teased.

‘Yes,’ Grace replied deadpan.

Zoe gasped. ‘OH MY GOD! What? Really?’

Grace spotted her brolly, wedged inside one of her boots. She pulled it out and stuck it in her pocket.

‘Kidding,’ said Grace. ‘I’m off out for a walk.’

She opened the front door and a gust of wind almost tore it out of her hand.

‘Shame,’ Zoe said, deflated. ‘What’s that noise?’

‘A bracing sea breeze,’ Grace shouted into the phone, holding onto her hood. ‘How are things with you?’

She headed towards Merle Bay, keeping to the edge of the lane to face oncoming traffic, not that there was much likelihood of that. Below her was the beach and the waves kept up a constant roar in her ears. She had a vague idea of exploring the harbour and taking a peek at Robyn’s husband’s boatyard.

‘Fine, except I have a nocturnal daughter,’ Zoe said, ‘and a son who likes his sleep so much he practically sleepwalks to school, extremely slowly.’

‘Oh Zoe, I do miss you all.’ Grace’s voice wobbled. She’d always been close to Daniel and she and Myles had always had a soft spot for baby Ruby. They were godparents to her, and Myles had set up a savings account for both children when they’d sold the business last year. Her throat burned suddenly with longing to be with her sister.

‘OK, what’s up?’ Zoe said immediately. ‘Come on, out with it.’

‘It’s bad news.’ Grace’s eyes were watering and only partly because of the wind. ‘I’ve found something out.’

‘Let me guess – you’re homesick?’ Her sister sounded slightly smug. ‘I knew it. Come home, Gracie. You’ve been there for long enough; we miss you and—’