I wanted to say yes, but would there even be a next time? I’d only come here to take refuge from the breakdown of my marriage and for the first time in weeks I actually held some hope that Adrian might be coming around to reconciliation. The thought of not returning to the Point, of not getting a lot further along in the renovation, put a dampener on the evening.

But then again, Adrian and I wouldn’t solve our issues overnight. He had put doubt in my heart, and we’d need to work towards a new normal. That would mean several sessions with Megan, so perhaps I might be able to sneak away to the Point a few more times. Maybe even finish what I’d started.

‘I’d really like that,’ I said. ‘I’ll be back next Monday.’

‘Monday it is then.’ Although I couldn’t see his face in the dim light, I swore I heard a smile in his voice.

‘So, what do you do at The Lobster Factory?’ I asked, breathing a sigh of relief as the shack came into view. Thank God our conversation had distracted my body from evicting the contents of my stomach.

‘That’s the million-dollar question,’ Dan replied with a chuckle.

‘What do you mean? You don’t know what your job is?’

‘Last census I was seriously tempted to write general shit-kicker in the occupation box. Basically, I’m a jack of all trades. Sometimes I’m out on the boats catching lobsters, other times you’ll find me in the processing facility helping prep them for local sale and export. I also take tourists out on our day trips and have even been known to don an apron and serve tables in the restaurant.’

This visual made me laugh. ‘What do you like doing best?’

He replied without a second’s thought. ‘Taking visitors out on fishing charters to catch lobsters or look for sea lions—it’s magic when someone sees one for the first time. I love showing off the coast and folks get a kick out of catching their own dinner.’

Our steps slowed even more as we arrived at the shack. The fresh air had done me good—I almost felt normal again.

‘Well, thanks for walking me,’ I said.

‘Not a problem—you’re on my way.’

Charlie barked at the sound of our voices and Dan’s eyes widened.

‘His bark’s a lot worse than his bite,’ I promised.

‘Having seen him, that’s not too hard to believe. That big goofy face doesn’t look like it would hurt a fly.’

I smiled. ‘Anyway, thanks again. Goodnight, Dan.’

He nodded. ‘Goodnight, Ashling. I’ll see you next Monday.’

Chapter 27

27

Perth