‘Edie, come on. Remember last night’s living in the moment?’

‘That was night-time Edie, she’s more adventurous.’

‘Come on, if we borrow a couple of those free bikes we can make it to Kestrel beach on time.’

‘But that seems so far away when it’s so nice and warm under the duvet.’

‘It’ll be there when you get back. Come on, we’ve got to get up and moving or else we’re going to miss it.’

Ten minutes later I’m standing with freshly brushed teeth, dressed in a pair of jeans and a fleece.

There’s a definite chill to the air and I’m glad of the fleece as we walk to the bank of bikes. I pull it firmly over my arms whilst Joel follows the instructions on the computer screen to scan a couple of bikes out. He hands me one and I reluctantly take hold of the handlebars.

‘You know, I’m not sure if I can remember how to ride a bike.’

‘You never forget how to ride a bike. That’s the saying.’

‘What if I’m the exception to the rule?’

‘Live in the moment,’ coughs Joel under his breath.

‘You know, you can’t just say that to me to make me do everything.’

‘Seems to be working.’

Up until now, I thought I’d romanticised in my head how easy it was to be around Joel, but now all the frostiness has slipped away, it’s exactly how I remember.

I swing my leg over the bike and as much as I hate to admit it, he’s right; after a couple of pedal rotations, and a few wobbles, it does eventually come back to me. We’re soon riding the route that we must have done countless times over that summer. Down the main road, up to the nature reserve, down the track, over the wooden bridge to the beach.

When we arrive at the treeline of the beach, Joel points to a small line of colour on the horizon. ‘Looks like we’re on time.’

He slips his backpack off and pulls out a blanket that he lays on the sand.

‘What else have you got in there?’

He crouches down onto the blanket and peers into his bag.

‘First-aid kit. Bottle opener. Energy gels.’

‘You have it all packed just in case you get whisked off on an emergency adventure. Who are you, Bear Grylls?’ I sit down on the blanket, hugging my knees to my chest.

He laughs. ‘You just never know. But living down here, it all comes in handy. I’m sure I used to carry a rucksack like this when I knew you.’

‘But back then it was full of beers rather than a blanket, Grandad.’

‘Hey! I can always put it back in the bag.’ He stands up and takes hold of it from the edge.