I told her about Wei’s proposition and how I didn’t think I had much to lose. ‘It’s not like I have a job or anything in Perth yet. This way I’ll be occupied and hopefully the times when I’m not with the kids will go faster.’

‘Well, I’m sorry things aren’t any better with your husband,’ Jedda said, reaching out and squeezing my arm, ‘but I’m so happy to have you back for a little bit. Ooh, if you’re here the week after next you’ll have to come to our Aussie Icon Trivia Night.’

I wasn’t sure whether that sounded exciting or terrifying. ‘We’ll see.’

‘Yes, we will.’ Jedda gave me a conspiratorial wink. ‘Do you want to come in for a cuppa? I’ve just had lunch but if you’re hungry I can rustle something up.’

As tempting as that sounded, I really wanted to get to the shack, unload the car, take Charlie for a walk on the beach and start making a plan for the week ahead.

‘Can I take a raincheck? This one,’ I said, gesturing to Charlie who had finally calmed down a little, ‘has been cooped up in the car for two hours, so I want to give him a bit of a run on the beach.’

‘Of course. Bindi’s having a nap but she’s gunna be so excited to see you. She’s spent all week pointing at the cafe door and saying, “Ashy?”’

I beamed. ‘I can’t wait to see her either.’

‘Hey, why don’t you come over for dinner later?’

‘I’d love to.’

‘Bring Charlie as well. I have a feeling Bindi might fall in love with him even more than she has with you.’

I pouted and pressed a hand against my chest, feigning hurt, and then gave Jedda a cheek-kiss goodbye. ‘The wine’s on me tonight.’

‘Awesome,’ she said as she waved us off.

Charlie objected about getting into the car—no doubt terrified we were about to embark on another long journey—but I was firm; when he saw the beach, he’d be beside himself.

Sure enough, a few minutes later when I stopped the car, he looked up in surprise from where he’d been sulking on the passenger seat and all was forgiven.

‘Welcome to your home for the next week,’ I said as I led him towards the house. His tail wagged furiously, and his nose twitched as he sniffed the sea air.

‘Soon,’ I promised.

This time as I stepped into the shack, I didn’t feel dread but potential.