‘Somewhere I’ve been before?’ I frowned. ‘Now I’m intrigued. I can’t think of any pubs or restaurants I’ve been to down the coast.’

‘Who said anything about a pub or restaurant?’

‘Now I’m even more intrigued.’

Ten minutes later, we pulled into a car park and I looked at Sam with surprise. ‘The Starfish Café? I didn’t know it opened on evenings. I haven’t been here since I was a kid.’

‘Same here until recently. Jack and Millie come here often. It’s still a café during the day but it’s been refurbished and can be hired for private functions.’

‘So there’s a function on tonight?’

‘A private one. Yes.’

We got out. ‘Shall I bring your Christmas present with me?’ I hadn’t seen his gift for me in the back of Thor but it could have been in a cupboard.

‘If you like. Yours is inside already.’

A blonde woman who looked to be a few years older than me greeted us at the door. ‘Welcome to The Starfish Café. I’m Hollie and I’m your host for this evening. Your table’s upstairs.’

We followed her into the café. It couldn’t have been more different to how I remembered it. Refurbished and extended, pine tables and plastic tablecloths had given way to a New England seaside-themed classy décor, which I absolutely loved.

‘Are we the only ones here?’ I asked, aware that I could hear music but no voices.

‘We might be,’ Sam said.

Hollie led us upstairs and into a function room with stunning views across the sea. It was dark outside but the moon lit up the inky waters and lights from distant ships twinkled in the distance. I’d have to come back during the day to fully appreciate the view.

A table for two was set in the middle of the room. Lights sparkled on a tree in the corner, under which sat a solitary gift. As I propped Sam’s present up against the wall and handed Hollie my coat, I wondered if the gift under the tree was from Sam.

‘Your drinks are on the table,’ she said. ‘I’ll be up in about ten minutes with your starters.’

‘Have a seat.’ Sam pulled out my chair. ‘Wine?’

‘Yes please.’ He poured a glass, then placed it on the table and filled his own glass from the jug of water.

‘I don’t drink and drive,’ he said, seeing me watch him. ‘Not even a drop. It’s not worth it.’

‘I feel the same.’ My throat tightened. ‘Especially after my dad…’ I smiled, not wanting to go down that road. ‘This is lovely, Sam.’ I noticed a scroll tied up with a red ribbon on my side plate. There wasn’t one on Sam’s plate so it couldn’t be a menu.

I held it up. ‘What’s this?’