‘Scott and I are different.’

‘Right, well, that’s good. Because my mum always says Joel is like his dad. He’s definitely a love-you-and-leave-you type of guy. Always dates, never settles.’

‘Good job Scott’s not like that.’

‘The famous Scott, I can’t wait to meet him next month. Now seriously, we’re leaving for the club in twenty minutes.’

‘I’m going to bed.’

‘To do what?’

‘Sleep. I must have sleep.’

‘You can sleep when you’re dead.’

She selected a dress from her wardrobe and thrust it at me.

Half an hour later we were in the taxi away to the next campsite, but all I could think about was my bed, or more specifically the man who’d just been lying on it.

Chapter 10

I don’t think I really realised how small my comfort zone was until I started to try and break out of it. I’ve been happy with its smallness, it’s suited me well over the years, it’s kept me guarded and safe, but I’d forgotten the little rush of endorphins that you get when you step outside it.

The weekend in Westerly was exactly everything I didn’t know I needed, even despite Joel being there. I can’t remember the last time I reminisced like that. I’ve spent so many years avoiding that time in my life because of how it ended with Mum, but it was actually nice to think about the happy times before everything changed. It made me wonder if the old Edie might be on to something with her notes to self after all.

We’re all a little guilty of getting old and getting stuck in a rut, aren’t we? It’s not to say there’s anything wrong with my life per se. It’s not like I’m blissfully unhappy but maybe it wouldn’t hurt to push those boundaries a little and to maybe go along with what this next email says.

Which is why I’ve got the familiar heart flutter as there’s one waiting in my inbox.