Low tide meant a long, wide stretch of sand, perfect for Bonfire Night revellers to spread out and enjoy the evening. A trail of bonfires stretched round the bay. Some were small with a family or a few friends gathered round them. Others were large with up to fifty or sixty people seated, standing, or even dancing round them. Children and adults waved sparklers, and fireworks banged and squealed overhead. I leaned on the metal railings by the lifeboat station, taking it all in. Jemma and her family were likely to be on the beach so I was going to stay on the path and give them their family-time.

I shoved my hands in my pockets, zipped up my jacket to the top, and slowly meandered along the seafront, thankful that, although it was cold, it wasn’t windy.

The aroma from the many chippies facing the sea was too much to resist and I succumbed to a tray of chips although they didn’t retain their heat for long in the chill of the night. I licked my salty fingers and looked round for a bin to dispose of the tray and cold remains. Job done, I turned to join the steady flow of pedestrians but I mis­timed it and tripped over a buggy, only just managing to stop myself from sprawling onto the pavement.

‘Oh my goodness! Are you okay?’ a woman said.

‘Yes. Fine. Sorry,’ I looked up and smiled at her. ‘It was my fault. I wasn’t looking. I hope I haven’t damaged your vehicle.’

She laughed and flicked her long auburn hair over her shoulders. ‘I think it’s pretty sturdy. We can probably get away with not exchanging insurance details.’

I moved aside to avoid another collision and, as I did, I locked eyes with the man with her. He looked familiar. He frowned as he looked at me and I was sure he recognised me too. An excitable squeal from the child in the buggy broke his gaze and they continued walking.

And then it struck me. That was Stevie. Stevie Barnes. My mate from school who I’d fallen out with. Jemma had said I should get in touch with him and now was my chance.

‘Stevie?’

He stopped and turned round, his eyes narrowed as though trying to place me. Then they widened. ‘Sam?’

I smiled and nodded.

‘Jesus, Sam!’ He took a couple of paces back towards me and shook my hand. ‘It’s been… how long? Since college?’

‘About sixteen years. How’re you doing?’

‘I’m good. Really good.’

The red-headed woman joined him and gave him a playful nudge. ‘Sorry. Being rude,’ he said. This is my partner, Elise, and our daughter, Melody. We’ve also got a three-month-old son, Tristan. Elise, this is Sam. Rob and I were great mates at school and then we lost touch because…’ Stevie shook his head. ‘Stupid reasons actually and all a very long time ago.’