‘You actually met them shortly after they got engaged. They bought a Ju-Sea Bear to celebrate. Must have been a couple of years ago.’

She shrugged and shook her head. ‘For goodness sake, Jemma. I sell loads of bears. It could have been anyone.’ She sounded exasperated.

‘You made a surfboard and a Hawaiian shirt for him,’ I prompted, trying to calm the nerves that swelled up every time Mum couldn’t remember something. I couldn’t let it go. She had to remember the surfing bear. She’d been so proud of him and had bombarded me with photos at the time.

Her face softened. ‘Aw, no! It was them? They were a lovely couple. They were in the shop for ages. I think she’d have gone away with a full hug if she’d had her way.’

My churning stomach settled. She remembered. ‘Sam said Nikki was pretty taken with the bears.’

‘That’s so sad. I remember her being so… what would the word be? Ooh! What’s that word? When someone’s full of life?’

‘Bubbly?’ I suggested.

‘No. Erm… Ooh, I hate it when that happens.’ She slapped her palm against her forehead, clearly frustrated. ‘Full of life. Animated. Energetic. Begins with a v.’

‘Vivacious?’

‘That’s it! Vivacious. That’s what she was like. He seemed quieter, steadier.’

I hadn’t seen any photos of Nikki yet but, from the conversations I’d had with Sam, I had a clear image in my mind of the sort of woman she’d been, both in looks and personality. Vivacious definitely fitted with that image.

‘So, I may or may not be going to the beach with Sam,’ I said. ‘I’ve got some more unpacking to do but the most important thing is to talk about you, about me and what happens next.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I’m home now and I’m here to help out but I don’t want to take over. I want to understand what would work for you. It’s your home and Bear With Me is your business.’

Silence.

‘Obviously I’m out of work now so I’m kind of hoping I might be able to get my old job back as Assistant Bear-Keeper.’

Mum stared at me, her head on a slant, her eyes narrowed.