‘Whatever you say. But you know, you could do a lot worse than Dan Emerson. I’m not a fan of his family as a whole, but he seems a good sort.’

‘I agree,’ I said, ‘but I’m not interested in a new relationship. Not yet. Maybe not ever. You do fine on your own, don’t you?’

Chapter 44

44

While Dan didn’t exactly make Ragged Point converts of Payton and Saxon, he did help make their last couple of days bearable, starting with the bonfire. Payton made friends with two boys and a girl who were of similar age, and Saxon seemed to get on well with Max and Shanae’s daughter, Jana. Aside from while they were munching on sausages and later roasting marshmallows over the bonfire, we barely saw the children. They were given clear instructions to stay away from the castle and the other collapsed buildings, but the island was big enough that they had plenty of other areas to explore.

I must admit to feeling nervous at first—especially about the four younger kids wandering off on their own where there was easy access to water and who knows what other dangerous but inviting elements of nature. However, the other parents assured me they’d be fine and after a while I began to relax and enjoy the adult conversation. Before the bonfire, we spoke mostly about island business. In addition to getting the buildings up to scratch and having a display of Bill’s memorabilia, the committee had plans to set up barbeques and build a proper toilet block so people could come over and spend the day here. Ideas were bandied around about a possible fundraiser, most of them dismissed as unoriginal or not having the potential to raise enough funds.

‘What about an island-themed ball?’ I suggested. It probably wasn’t very original either, but the alcohol in my veins gave me courage to put it forward.

Everyone was silent a moment and then exploded at once with enthusiasm.

‘That’s a great idea,’ said a woman called Davina. ‘I saw this gorgeous gown online the other day and that would give me the perfect excuse to buy it.’

Her partner groaned. ‘Does a ball mean we’ll have to dress up in suits?’

‘Come on, Gav,’ Dan teased. ‘I reckon you’d scrub up quite well.’

I couldn’t help thinking Dan would as well.

‘And,’ he added, ‘we know how excited everyone around here gets about dressing up.’

‘I love it.’ Sophie clapped her hands together. ‘We need to set a date and find a venue. If we’re going to do it this year, we need to get a move on.’

‘Town hall?’ suggested Gav.

‘Music?’ Sophie added.

‘What about your band?’ Davina said.