‘Am I right in thinking that, if I didn’t live in London, you’d give me a chance?’

‘It’s not that simple.’

‘It could be. You know I want to move back so I’ll keep looking for jobs and I’ll return eventually.’

‘Eventually could be years away. And, well, the thing is…’ My voice caught in my throat.

Sam turned his body round so he was fully facing me. ‘What aren’t you telling me, Jem?’

My bottom lip started to wobble and tears pooled in my eyes.

‘Come here.’ Sam put his arms round me and held me while silent tears rained down my cheeks. ‘It’s okay. I’m here for you,’ he whispered into my hair.

When I’d calmed down enough to speak, I remained cuddled up to him. ‘I had an unexpected visitor yesterday. Scott’s wife.’

‘Shit! What did she want?’

‘To tell me that Scott’s dead.’

Sam pulled me closer to him as I told him about Fiona’s visit. We sat huddled together, staring out towards the sea, both of us knowing exactly how it felt when someone you loved died. Brutal. Absolutely brutal.

I don’t know how much time passed. Ten minutes? Fifteen? I reluctantly sat up. ‘I have to get back to the shop so Liv can go home.’

I stood up and Sam did too. ‘You see why it’s not that simple?’

He nodded. ‘I’m so sorry, Jem. I bet you don’t know what to think anymore.’

‘If I’m honest, I’m trying not to think at the moment. Have a good journey back tomorrow.’ I dug into my bag and handed him a package. ‘Can you deliver this to Leah for me? It’s the Ju-Sea Jem Bear she wanted. And send them all my love.’

Sam took the bear. ‘Okay. I’ll be back soon.’

I nodded. ‘Look me up when you are. I’ll miss you.’

‘I’ll miss you too.’ He leaned forward and gently kissed me on the lips, lingering for a moment. Electricity zipped through me as I reached my hands up to his face. Our eyes connected for a moment and then our lips joined again, my hands in his hair, his in mine. Oh. My. God. His tongue teased mine and I pressed my body closer to his, my heart racing like mad. It was everything I’d imagined and so much more.

But I had to stop it. I slowed the kiss and gently pulled away. ‘Sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. Call it a goodbye kiss for a very special friend.’

Sam smiled. ‘I hope you don’t kiss all your friends goodbye like that.’

I smiled too. ‘Could you imagine Drew’s face if I’d done that to him when I left London? Take care of yourself, Sam.’

‘Don’t leave.’

‘I have to. I’m sorry.’