“I’m not sure. It depends on my ride. I’ll ring.” Keely’s words tumbled out over each other.

“No need, my dear, there will be plenty. I’m cooking a grand feast tonight. I think we need a special meal.” Maggie’s face glowed with vitality. “It appears there is much to celebrate.”

* * *

“That’s it, Keely, bend your knees,” Steve called from beside her.

She glanced across, lost her footing on the board and crumpled. Luckily, the sand was soft and she rolled over laughing. Steve and Marty extended a helping hand each and pulled her to her feet.

“You’re getting the hang of it,” Steve said. “Are you sure you don’t want to try a wave? The beginners’ set is perfect today.”

Keely looked along the beach to the area of ocean he indicated. A number of bodies bobbed in the water and one teetered on a board, riding a wave in.

“I don’t think so,” she said. “But thanks for trying to teach me the basics.”

“You’re nearly as good as Marty.” Steve nudged his mate’s arm.

“That’s being unkind to Keely,” Mike said. “She’s much better at it than Marty already.” He grinned and Steve chuckled beside him.

“What about it, Marty?” Steve asked. “We thought we’d try the Gallows this afternoon. You can show off your talent to Keely.”

“I’d like to but someone has to keep her company while you two risk your necks,” Marty said. “Besides, surfing is dangerous. Keely’s got the scar to prove it.”

He was referring to the cut above her eye. It was healing but had a deep purple bruise around it. Keely wished it wasn’t in such an obvious place so that he wouldn’t have asked what happened.

“Don’t stay on my account,” she said. “I can entertain myself.”

Steve smirked and dug Mike in the ribs. “I’m sure Marty has better plans.”

“Yeah, we’d better clear out and leave you to it,” Mike said.

“Fair go, you blokes.” Marty gave Mike a playful shove then grinned at Keely.

She turned her face to the breeze so it cooled her cheeks. She’d had a great day with the three of them. They were good fun. Even though they hadn’t got to know each other that well before her operation, she thought of them as her friends now; fellow South Aussies on holiday together.