‘Cold? It’s never too cold for a true surfer. We have to say that because, to be honest, the North Sea’s always bloody freezing, summer or winter. We just need thicker wetsuits in the winter and shorter stints. Hopefully, yes, although the sea was really calm today so would have been rubbish. If the swell gets up later in the week, I’ll get out. You should come with me.’

‘Er, no! Have you seen the temperature forecast for this week? If I’m ever getting on a surfboard, it will not be in minus figures. Other than surfing, what do you have planned?’

‘Meeting up with Stevie Barnes and Rob Harris hopefully.’

‘You got in touch?’

Sam told me about running into Stevie on the seafront earlier. I was so pleased for him to have an opportunity to face up to his past again.

A taxi arrived for us shortly after eleven and, as I stood up, I wobbled unsteadily. How many pints had I had? Three? Four? Oops. Sam put his arm round my shoulder to steady me and I snuggled into his chest, breathing in a manly mixture of shower gel, deodorant and bonfires.

Out of the taxi window, I watched fireworks illuminating the blackness while Sam dozed beside me. I keep sneaking sideways glances at him, wondering what it would be like to kiss someone who wasn’t Scott. Sam’s lips twitched slightly as his head lolled to the side. I imagined my lips touching his and a shiver of pleasure rippled down my spine. Stop it! It’s the drink.

When the taxi pulled up outside Mum’s cottage, Sam awoke with a jolt. ‘Where are we?’

‘Bear’s Pad.’

‘Can you give me five minutes?’ he asked the driver, letting himself out of the car and rushing round to my side.

‘What are you doing?’ I asked.

‘Walking you to your door.’

‘It’s Little Sandby. I don’t think I’ll get held up by knifepoint walking up the drive.’

‘You might get spiked by a hedgehog or stared at by a fox.’

I wasn’t going to win the argument so I indicated that he should follow me.

Keys at the ready, I stood on the doorstop and turned to face him. ‘Safely home. You were right. It was a perilous journey full of spiky hedgehogs, intimidating foxes, and stroppy badgers. Barely made it past them alive.’

Sam smiled. ‘That last badger nearly got you, you know. If I hadn’t been here to protect you…’

‘Aw. My superhero again.’

There was silence for a moment. I knew I should turn round, unlock the door and say goodnight, but my feet were rooted to the spot.

‘I’ll send you a text about seeing Mum,’ I said.

‘I’m pretty flexible. The only day I definitely can’t do is Friday.’

‘Okay. She’ll really appreciate it. Thank you.’