Al stands up, walks out of the bar into the gentle mizzling rain, and heads back to the creek. It’s odd that he felt more alone in that friendly bar, with its log fire and amazing views, than he’s ever felt amongst strangers on the Tube or in the streets or in the cafés of the capital. Is it because he isn’t a local, that the bar staff didn’t have a friendly quip for him or know which ale he prefers? Was it because all the other people in the bar seemed to be having such fun? Al feels out of place and he wonders what it is that Cosmo has seen here, what he’s experienced in these last few weeks that has given him such a passion for the place. Al liked Salcombe better when it was teeming with summer visitors, the estuary crammed with water traffic, the shops busy to bursting point, yet he was still able to maintain his anonymity as he walked amongst it all. Of it but not in it.

He wonders how Cosmo is getting on and, on an impulse, steps to one side to send a text. He knows he must keep it simple in case Becks is there. Just at this moment, Al feels an affinity with Becks, with her straightforwardness, eye always on the goal, her refusal to be deflected. He wonders if she’s believed Cosmo’s story about wanting his camera equipment and his need for a fix of the bright lights. After all, she’s a lawyer: she must be able to tell when someone is lying. He texts:

Reggie is missing you. Love to Becks.

As Al presses Send he’s surprised that he added those last three words. He’s always been careful to play it cool with Becks. But now there’s been a change, as if they’re all playing by a new set of rules, and he’s slightly irritated at being called in to be the stooge for this weekend. He puts his phone in his pocket and strides on, shrugging his collar up to keep out the more persistent rain. He feels depressed. The rest of the weekend stretches emptily ahead and once again he wonders what on earth Cosmo finds to do all day. Al begins to feel slightly guilty that he persuaded Cosmo to come down here to dog-and-house-sit, even though he’d already decided he wouldn’t stay in London for his sabbatical but might go travelling. Al wonders what kind of girl could present a challenge to Becks. Perhaps this evening he should check out the pubs to see if he can spot Amy. But how would he recognize her?