“It’s not in anyone’s way,” said George. “Look at this place, it’s huge. There’s room for one little hut.”

“What if everyone who wanted to just pitched up and built their own little hut?”

“But I’m not building a hut for everyone, I’m building a hut for just one person. That’s a totally different thing.”

“But it’s really not – look, let me help you with that.” Donald put out a hand and helped steady the slab of wood.

“No, it’s all right,” said George. “If you don’t approve, you shouldn’t feel like you have to help.”

“You’re my friend. I don’t want you to die building it. Oh, hello, pet.” Alicia’s jeans were soaked, salt water wicking up the denim. Her trainers hung from her hand and her feet were white with cold. “Look at you, you’re sopping. Come on. Home.”

Alicia was looking at the beach hut. “What are you building?”

“Conversations start with hello,” said Donald wearily.

“It’s a beach hut,” said George.

“Oh my God, really?” Alicia caught her breath. “Are there going to be more? Dad, can we get one? Could we sleep in it? I’d love that so much – like camping, but not so crap.”

“Just one,” said George.

“Just one? Why?”

“Because he only asked for one,” said George, who could be fearfully literal at times.

“Who did?”

“My client,” said George.

“But who? Who owns it? Was it expensive?”

“Never mind was it expensive,” said Donald. “The important question is, has he got permission, and the answer, sadly, is no.”

“Look at this.” Alicia stood on the wooden floor and caressed the boards with her foot. “It’s so smooth, no splinters or anything.”

“Three different grades of sandpaper,” said George.

“It feels gorgeous.” She ran her fingers over the half-built walls.

“It won’t last,” said Donald. “Salt water rots wood.”

“He said he wanted it left unfinished so he could paint it,” said George.

“Can I help build it?” Alicia hopped out from behind the half-built walls and tugged at the trolley.

“I don’t think George needs any help,” said Donald.

“It’ll go quicker with two people,” said George.

“We need to get back,” said Donald.

“Why?” Alicia was wrestling with a long plank. George took the other end and showed her how to lift it.

“I need to open up.”

“You said weekends were for having fun.” Alicia blew a strand of hair out of her mouth. “I’ve been working all summer.”

“Mike called in sick this morning,” he lied.

“But you said you didn’t want me working behind the bar,” said Alicia. “So I can’t help, can I?”

Oh, for God’s sake, thought Donald. When did she get so ruthless? Is this what it’s going to be like from now on?

“I want you back for lunch.”

“We’ll be done in a couple of hours,” said George. Donald swallowed the urge to hit him over the head with the rubber mallet.

“Come home for twelve,” he said.

“Bye, Dad.” Alicia was already reaching for the mallet.