John had had some design consultations in London and had spent several days at his place in Clapham. It seemed John was as incapable of taking a step back workwise as she was. Their messaging had taken on a much flirtier tone in his absence. But Annie hadn’t just spent her time thinking up peppy repartee—not all of it, at any rate—she had been doing her financial homework and number crunching, in readiness for John’s return.

Annie had anticipated that the developer’s offer would far exceed what she could reasonably offer, but she wasn’t disheartened. She had something that the developer couldn’t offer: She had the expertise and drive to save Saltwater Nook and all the happy memories it contained for John and Mari.

After a consultation with her solicitor—which resulted in a reasonably threatening letter being sent to Max—Annie arranged a meeting with her financial adviser, and they worked out roughly what settlement she could expect, according to the Pomegranate Seed’s last-year figures and her halves of the properties she owned with Max. Annie had always kept her eye on the fluctuating market of the hospitality industry, and she knew how much a small business like Saltwater Nook was worth. A local estate agent had given her a valuation for the building as a whole, and Annie had put together an offer accordingly. She’d written it down on a piece of paper and it had been burning a hole in her pocket ever since.

Annie could hardly wait for John to get back so that she could present him with her counteroffer. It had to be enough, it just had to be. She needed to buy Saltwater Nook. Of course, that wasn’t the only reason she wanted to see him. Every time she thought about John—which she did a lot—a whizz of excitement thrilled in her stomach. It was ridiculous; it was like being sixteen again and unable to concentrate on anything but her latest crush.

Chapter 64

The swimmers had just left, having taken their dip early on account of the forecast looking choppy for later. All-weather-flip-flops had cleaned out Annie’s supply of tiffin bars for when her grandchildren visited later. There were no other customers at present, and by the looks of the empty promenade in both directions, there wouldn’t be for at least twenty minutes. Annie picked up a basket and rested the handle over her forearm.

“Right, I’m going to collect some stones. You’re in charge.”

Gemma gulped dramatically, and Annie laughed.

“Call me if you need help.”

“No problem,” said Gemma brightly. “I want to crack on with getting the sauces and honeys on the back shelf.”