“Hi, I’m looking for someone to take my sister—and me, I guess—surfing over the next couple of days. Do you have anyone available?” I asked.

His voice was smooth and rich; I found myself leaning against the banister that wrapped around the inn, lightheaded.

“Yes, I could come and teach the two of you to surf. First thing tomorrow morning if you like. First lesson’s free.”

I perked up. My budget wasn’t exactly enormous. “Really? That would be awesome. Thanks. We’re staying at the Wickaninnish, can you meet us at Chesterman Beach?”

“Sure. I’ll see you two at six am.” His voice grew faint and I could tell he was about to hang up.

“Wait, how will we recognize you?”

“Don’t worry Quinn, I’ll find you.” The click of the call ending made me frown. Something was off about that whole conversation.

I trotted up the stairs, and had to knock on the door. I’d left my key card inside. Ashling didn’t come to the door right away, though I could hear her moving around inside.

It was there, as I waited for Ashling to open the door, that I realized he’d called me by my name—but I’d never given it to him. A wave of unease rippled through me. I tried to shake it off, but the feeling wouldn’t leave me.

“Ashling open the damn door!” I yelled, my uncertainty about the phone call disappearing under my sudden irritation.

I heard a giggle, and then the door creeped open. “Yes, can I help you?”

I let out an exasperated sigh. “Let me in or I will cancel our appointment for surfing lessons tomorrow.”

She let out a screech that raised the hairs on the back of my neck and opened the door. I stepped in and shut it firmly behind me.

The rest of the evening went smoothly. Dinner was fantastic, the best food I’d ever eaten. We splurged on several desserts, which we brought up to our room and ate throughout the night. Finally, around 2am, Ashling tumbled into bed. She fell asleep within seconds. It was a gift she had.

I tidied the room up, put our dirty plates outside the door for the maids and set the alarm for 5am. I let out a soft groan. Three hours wasn’t enough sleep. I wasn’t a teenager like Ashling anymore, with unlimited energy and no cares in the world.

I crawled into bed beside her, and like when she had a bad dream as a little girl, I curled up around her, holding her tight. Within moments I had fallen asleep too, and although I knew that, the dream still shook me.