An alarm sounds on Lotte’s phone and she whisks Claire away to rinse her hair and to dry it.

‘Wish me luck,’ Claire says.

‘You don’t need luck. You’re going to love it,’ Lotte calls effusively and Claire laughs. People are always shocked by Lotte’s absolute certainty about things. It’s one of the reasons Tor loves her. Because she’s so decisive, so sure of her footing in life. It makes Tor feel safe.

Tor tells Maddy about her adventures in Africa and running away from Mike and is coming on to how she met Lotte, when Lotte comes into the garden. Claire has a towel loosely over her hair and a big grin on her face.

‘You ready?’ she asks.

Maddy and Tor both stand for the big reveal and Claire whips away the towel. Her hair has been cut in a flattering shape around her face and coloured into natural caramel and fudge tones. She looks at least ten years younger.

‘Do you like it?’ she asks, nervously, patting it.

‘Oh my God!’ Maddy exclaims, jumping up to inspect it. ‘It’s amazing. Lotte, I’m booking you in right now.’

‘Seriously?’ Claire asks, looking to Tor.

‘It’s wonderful,’ Tor says, kissing her cheek. Maddy takes photos of Claire for her to see.

‘Well done,’ Tor whispers to Lotte. ‘Thank you for doing that.’

Lotte grins back. ‘Pleasure. She was fun. I like your friends.’

Claire is blushing from all the attention. She studies the photos on Maddy’s phone, then says, ‘Goodness. It’s so late. I must get home to Pim and the boys.’

Lotte wraps her in a big hug and kisses her on the cheek and Claire squeaks in surprise, then giggles.

‘This has been so much fun. Honestly. Lotte, you’re a genius.’

Tor likes the feeling that she’s been able to make a difference to Claire’s confidence – albeit vicariously through Lotte.

‘You’re so natural together,’ Maddy says to Tor. ‘Why on earth wouldn’t you want your parents to see that? If you were my daughter, I’d be thrilled that you were with Lotte. You clearly belong together.’

Tor waves them off.

‘Hey,’ she says to Lotte, grabbing her. ‘Did I tell you yet today that I love you?’

‘Not enough,’ Lotte says, smiling and then Tor hugs her as they go inside.

30

Beach Clean

‘Oh,’ Pim says, when he comes down the stairs on Saturday morning in his pyjamas and dressing gown, and sees Claire and Ash in the kitchen. He’s carrying the cup of tea Claire put by the bed earlier. ‘Where are you two off to? It’s early.’

‘The beach clean, remember?’ Claire says.

‘Oh, yeah.’ He’s clearly forgotten. He takes a sip of tea. ‘You’re going with Mum?’ he asks Ash.

She asked Ash if he wanted to join her and the Sea-Gals today and when he said he was up for it, she felt like punching the air. He’s done loads of research for his project and she’s delighted that he’s found something that he’s interested in apart from that damned video game. Pim looks impressed as he nods.