‘It’s okay, they’ve added iPads to practically every lesson from kindy,’ I said. ‘But jokes aside, even if I can get out of canteen, I’ll have to come back early as Payton will kill me if I miss another soccer game.’

‘Then drive back first thing Sunday morning. That’ll still give you six days there. But only if you want to,’ Hayley added, squeezing my hand. ‘My apartment and my mess are also available if you’d rather stay with me.’

I laughed. ‘You really should get a cleaner, because I’m going back to Ragged Point.’

Chapter 21

21

Ragged Point

This time as I drove into Ragged Point, the car was jam-packed with supplies—more cleaning equipment, cockroach baits, oil for the creaky doors, strong-scented candles and lots of other purification paraphernalia. Charlie sat on the seat behind me. I obviously couldn’t rely on Adrian or Saxon to take care of him properly, so I’d dognapped him for the week.

‘We’re almost there, boy,’ I said, reaching over to ruffle his fur.

I pulled over in front of Brewed Awakening and waved to Sam who was heading into the general store. Typical teenager, she didn’t seem at all surprised to see me again, but Jedda’s response more than made up for her lacklustre one.

‘Oh my God. What are you doing here?’ she shrieked when she opened the back door—as it was Monday, the cafe was closed—to find Charlie and me standing there.

‘Surprise!’ I smiled, holding the leash firmly as he tried to jump up at her.

‘Who is this gorgeous thing?’ She dropped down onto her haunches.

‘This is Charlie. He’s nine years old but still acts like a puppy when he’s around new people. He’ll calm down in a moment.’

‘Ooh, you’re perfect just as you are, aren’t you, baby?’ Jedda held Charlie’s face between her hands and nuzzled his wet nose with her own. ‘What kind of dog is he?’

‘A standard schnauzer.’

‘Gorgeous.’ She straightened and looked back to me. ‘So, why are you and this divine creature here? Not that I’m complaining.’

I gave her the short version of the progress I’d made in my marriage. Or lack thereof.

‘Did you try the naked selfies?’ she asked.

‘I couldn’t bring myself to do it.’

Truthfully, I wasn’t sure an image of me in my birthday suit would actually entice Adrian home. I’d had two kids, I liked eating cake and drinking wine, and until recently exercise and I weren’t on first name terms. How could I compete with the young things he’d likely find online?