Sam cringed but Gabe had a good-humoured smile on his face. ‘As a matter of fact, I was taking another look at the Net Loft.’ He glanced at Sam. ‘But nothing’s decided yet.’

Another look. The word struck Sam immediately as had the handshake between the agent and Gabe. So, the rumours that he was interested in buying a restaurant in Porthmellow were absolutely true, thought Sam.

‘Are you on your way to the pub?’ Gabe asked.

‘Why? Are you thinking of buying us all a round? I haven’t forgotten you owe me money.’ Troy chortled.

Sam winced again, dismayed at Troy’s invitation. ‘I expect Gabe’s too busy,’ she said.

‘Not that busy, and I’m happy to pay my dues. If you don’t mind me joining you, I’ll get the first round in.’ Gabe flung a smile at Sam.

‘That would be lovely. We can get to know each other better,’ Chloe chirped up.

‘Come on then,’ Gabe added amiably. ‘Good to see you again, mate. Looking forward to catching up.’

Drew shook hands with Gabe warmly. ‘Good to see you back, Gabe.’

‘How are you, mate?’ said Gabe.

Drew laughed. ‘Good. I don’t need to ask you how you’re doing.’

Gabe smiled. ‘Looks can be deceiving.’ He nodded to Sam. ‘Hi, Sam.’

Sam tried to speak, eventually she had to cough then managed a ‘Hi’ before introducing Chloe: ‘This is Chloe Farrow who you’ve been dealing with.’

‘Chloe, hi. Good to meet you, finally,’ Gabe said, stepping forward to shake her hand.

Sam had to bite her lip as they walked the short distance to the Smuggler’s and into the beamed bar. It wasn’t super busy, but Sam was sure that heads turned in their direction. Some people nudged each other, others, Sam could tell, were straining to listen. One bloke curled his lip and turned his back flagrantly. Sam wanted to sink through the pub bench.

‘I think we should buy Gabe a drink, as he’s volunteered to help us out for free,’ Chloe said with a giggle.

‘No need to do that,’ said Gabe good-naturedly.

‘No need, but we’d like to,’ Sam said, feeling she should be taking the lead and at least acting as if she was unperturbed by Gabe’s reappearance. After all he was helping out the festival for free and she ought to be friendly to him, in public at least. ‘I’m sure we can all club together to buy you a pint.’ She managed to smile as she said it, but she probably held Gabe’s gaze a nanosecond too long.

Troy pulled a face. ‘Speak for yourselves. I’m an old age pensioner.’

‘I’ll get this lot. Your turn next,’ Gabe said to Sam.