Steph looked at her across her cappuccino. ‘I’m looking forward to it. I remember Conmere House from when I used to live up there. You know, my dad was a delivery driver for the Sinclair family for quite a few years, up until he died, actually, which was soon after the three sons took it over.’

‘And the sons have done the refurb?’

‘As I understand it. They offer all sorts of outdoor activities now but aimed at the high-end market. Pretty expensive, from what I’ve seen of the price list. Anyway, it’s not so much the resort I’m excited about, it’s the scenery. I’m hoping I’ll get a chance to take some photos for my portfolio.’

‘Oh, yes, do,’ encouraged Ria. ‘Lakes and mountains always sell. Soon you’ll be rich enough to leave your job at the travel agency.’

‘Yeah, in my dreams. Don’t get me wrong, I do like my job, but this is about as exciting as it gets. I’d like to get my teeth into something juicier.’

‘Like what?’

‘Oh, I don’t know. Something that’s a bit more serious and high profile. Current affairs or investigative journalism.’

‘I thought you were going to say you’d prefer to do photography.’

‘I would, but it doesn’t earn me a regular steady income. It’s hard-going being single. I thought after being divorced for over a year, I’d be more financially stable now.’

‘I think you were too easy on Zac; you should have pushed for more.’

‘Just because he had an affair? No, I was actually relieved when I found out. At least it prompted me to do something about it – to start afresh. We both knew our marriage was over long before that.’ Ria didn’t look convinced, but Steph had long since given up trying to justify her actions to her friend, as, no matter how well-intentioned Ria was, she hadn’t been in that marriage. Ultimately it had been down to Steph and Zac to sort things out, which they had done amicably. Privately, Steph had admitted to herself, if Zac hadn’t been the one to have an affair, it could so easily have been her. They had both been looking for love and affection, which sadly neither could provide the other with.

Steph cleared her throat in a bid to clear her mind. Zac and their marriage and divorce certainly didn’t need revisiting. ‘Anyway, back to my new assignment. I’m sure I can get some great photos up there in the Lake District and any extra money will be most welcome, especially at the moment. I just had to spend out to get my car through its MOT.’ Steph’s gaze dipped as she concentrated placing her cup onto her saucer.