Being abandoned by your husband was a good way to find out who your real friends were.

‘I was thinking of somewhere a little closer,’ said Hayley. ‘Driving distance.’

‘Where? It might feel weird staying in a fancy hotel by myself.’ And I could just imagine Adrian’s reaction when he saw the bill.

‘If you’ll just shut up a moment, I’ll tell you.’

‘Sorry.’

Hayley’s eyes sparkled. ‘Wei’s family used to live a couple of hours north at Ragged Point. They moved to Perth when he was just a kid, but his granddad was a fisherman and lived there until he died about a year ago. He owned a little cottage not far from the beach that he left to Wei and his sister in his will. They want to do it up to use as an Airbnb, but until they get themselves sorted, it’s just sitting there vacant. Wei said you can stay there for free next week if you like.’

‘Seriously?’ Hayley and Wei had obviously done a lot more than sleep together if she knew this history about him, but there were more important things to think about right now.

‘Yeah. He said it’s nothing flash, but the plumbing should work. Just think how relaxing being able to get up in the mornings and enjoy a nice stroll along the beach will be. Wei even said you might see sea lions swimming in the ocean if you’re lucky, and the Pinnacles are only a short drive away.’

‘You sound like a travel agent.’

But this idea sounded far more appealing than the others she’d suggested. A week on the coast would trump another week in the city stuck in Hayley’s apartment.

For the first time in the three weeks since Adrian had announced he wanted to sleep with other women, I felt a flicker of excitement. It had been a long time since I’d had any type of holiday and I loved the beach.

‘That sounds amazing. Where do I sign up?’

12

Ragged Point

When I dropped Payton off at school on Monday morning, I had a car full of petrol, a suitcase in the boot, coffee in my travel mug and a stomach full of butterflies. I’d driven slower than normal and taken the long route, wanting to make the most of my last few minutes with her.

‘Bye, Mum.’ She leaned over to the driver’s side and wrapped her arms around my neck before kissing me goodbye. ‘Love you. See you next week.’

And then she flung open the car door, grabbed her backpack and skipped towards her classroom as if she hadn’t a care in the world, whereas I fought the urge to run after her and take her with me. The kids appeared to have accepted this new situation much quicker than me, but I didn’t want them to get used to it.

Divorce had long-lasting effects—I should know.

‘I love you both so much,’ I’d gushed over breakfast. Saxon escaped before I could get even more emotional, managing to wish me a ‘good week up north’. I’d told the kids where I was going and messaged Adrian, who hadn’t even bothered to reply.