‘You know, I probably could have gone back and done the summer season this year. My ankle would have been OK, but I saw a yacht advertised in the boatyard and I just had this urge to buy it, and somehow ended up with that and a job.’

‘You bought a yacht?’ I’m wondering if I misheard.

‘Not the kind of yacht you’re thinking of, with that look on your face. A yacht can mean a lot of things in the sailing world. It’s not a superyacht with a Jacuzzi or anything. It’s just a small 1970s cruiser with a tiny galley and bedroom. It’s a total wreck that needed to be completely stripped back and I haven’t got the engine running yet.’

‘Still, at least you’ll have a cool line to impress the ladies with when you ask them if they want to come aboard your yacht,’ I say and he laughs, looking embarrassed. ‘Well, sounds like you’ve got yourself a long-term project on your hands.’

‘Yeah, it was a stupid thing to buy when I’ll be leaving. But I bought it on impulse, and I’ve been trying to fix Hetty as much as I can on the weekends.’

‘You named her Hetty? After your grandmother?’

‘You remember her?’

My cheeks flush. It’s become increasingly apparent that I don’t need the emails to remember everything about him.

‘You know, she died last year.’

‘Oh, Joel, I’m sorry. They don’t make them like her anymore.’

‘They certainly don’t.’

He’s lost for a moment and he looks out towards the water.

‘It’s been nice having a project of my own to work on for a change.’

‘I’m sure you could buy another one in Florida.’

‘Maybe.’ He lets out a big breath. ‘I’d forgotten how easy you are to talk to. Thank you, I needed that.’

I reach out and rub his arm.

‘You’ll make the right decision; you’ll know it in your gut. You’ve just got to work out what it is you want.’

He places his hand on mine, gently pinning it to his arm, and I feel a warmth ripple through my body.

‘Thanks, Edie.’

‘Anytime.’

We sit, our hands touching in silence for a couple of minutes, watching the sun rise through the sky.

‘It’s even more beautiful than I remember.’

‘I know.’

I turn towards him but he’s looking at me rather than the view. He quickly removes his hand and faces the sky again, nodding in agreement.

‘What about you?’ he says, turning the tables on me. ‘I can’t be the only one baring my soul out here. Are you happy doing what you’re doing?’

I let out a deep breath.

‘It’s fine, I love the people and couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.’