‘Goodness. Just as well I’ve brought champagne,’ Roger says, ‘because this certainly calls for a celebration.’

‘We’re so glad you’re happy, darling. Really. I mean it,’ her mum says. ‘And you look so well.’

‘I am well. It’s so much better now that it’s not so cold.’

‘Have you been in swimming? Only I bought my bathers. I thought I might go in? In with you, both, I mean,’ her mum says, nervously.

‘Then what are we waiting for?’ Lotte exclaims, already stripping off. ‘Come on, Rita, I’ll race you to the sea.’

Tor’s mum, clearly surprised at Lotte’s enthusiasm, starts to get undressed too.

‘Oh, isn’t this fun!’ she says to Tor with an excited smile.

54

Towards the Horizon

When Linus phones to say he’s arrived at the dock, Helga orders a cab straight away. She’s so nervous, she calls Dominica with her new mobile.

‘It’s happening. I’m going to meet him,’ she says, excitedly, as soon as Dominica picks up. ‘He’s here. At the marina.’

‘Oh goodness, Helga. How are you feeling?’

‘Like a giddy schoolgirl, if I’m honest. And so scared.’

‘Scared?’ Dominica laughs. ‘You?’

‘What if it doesn’t work? What if he doesn’t feel the same?’

‘You’ll know,’ Dominica says. ‘Don’t worry. You’ll know straight away.’

They chat for a while longer and Helga is glad of her reassurance. She remembers that Dominica has had a big week too. ‘How did your course go?’ she asks. She knows Dominica is starting her counsellor’s training this week.

‘I met a lot of lovely people, even though for the time being it’s still on Zoom. It’s fun to be learning again, though, and using my brain. And Luna is keeping me occupied, obviously. It’s so lovely having her.’

Helga smiles. ‘I told you you needed a companion.’

‘Everywhere I go people stop me. I’ve got to know loads of neighbours I’ve never met before. They’ve invited me for drinks tonight.’

‘That’s wonderful. Oh … here.’ She taps the glass partition for the cab driver to turn for the marina. ‘I’ve got to go.’

‘Good luck. You’re a Sea-Gal, remember. Whatever happens … you’ve got this.’

Linus has given her his berth number, but the marina is busier than Helga has been expecting. The docks are crowded on both sides and she walks along the slatted boards, noticing the rainbow sheen of diesel on the surface of the water and the sloshing of the water against the hulls of the boats. She remembers the hustle and bustle of all the marinas she’s sailed into in the world and how it feels to moor to the dock, exhausted but safe. She’s so excited about being on a boat again – about sailing. Because that’s what Linus has promised her.

Her heart is hammering. It’s really happening. She’s actually meeting Linus. She wants to pinch herself.

‘Hey, Helga? Over here.’

She hears a call and shades her eyes. Linus is standing on the back rail of a yacht at the far end of the dock. He waves and she grins and runs towards him.