It was easy to forget the intervening years as Alex fell into step beside Lottie leaving his grandmother’s house. The key difference was that her hand wasn’t in his. The longing for what they had in the past hung in the air currents created by their swinging hands, caressing their fingers. It would be so easy to take his hand in hers, but she wouldn’t. There could be no going back. Ten years and so much more stood between them. Besides, he might not be thinking these same things at all. It was most probably in her mind alone. A cool breeze blew up from the bay and she shivered despite the warmth of the evening sun.

Only a few cars remained in the car park and a family walked past them up the lane carrying baskets and blankets. She turned towards the sea. Alex hesitated. His hand brushed hers. Her breath caught. But one long stride gave her the distance she needed to keep a clear head.

‘Why the visit to my grandmother?’

She turned to him. Here she was thinking about their past and he rightly was firmly in the present. ‘I had a few questions.’

‘Oh.’ He raised an eyebrow.

‘Nothing important.’

‘Sure.’ He continued walking by her side. ‘Is your mother OK?’

She laughed. ‘Good question. I don’t think she is.’

‘Do you know why?’

‘I can make some guesses – like being here is painful – but it’s all speculation.’ She stared at him, debating whether to say what was puzzling her. ‘Why is my grandfather relying on you and not me?’

‘We’ve always been close since I worked for him.’

She remained silent.

‘Well, he’s been like a father.’

Lottie winced. She knew how much the loss of his own father had meant to him and how his grandmother had been grateful for Gramps’ kindness and quiet guidance. Her question had been spiteful. ‘Sorry.’

‘George mentioned that when you last visited, there was a boyfriend in your life and he may have said that he monopolised you.’ He took a step away.

‘Did he?’

Alex nodded. ‘So where is the boyfriend?’

‘As I mentioned, he isn’t my boyfriend any more.’ She looked out to sea, suddenly thinking of Thailand.

‘That will please George.’

She laughed. If he only knew. She longed to tell someone what an idiot she had been, but silence was best. No need to confirm what people thought of her already. She walked onto the sand and picked up a shell.

‘Did my grandmother help?’

She walked to the water’s edge. ‘Yes, she confirmed that Gramps had been here that weekend my grandfather died.’

‘So?’ He shrugged. ‘You’re trying to play detective . . .’

‘No but Gran said she killed someone.’

‘I seriously doubt that she meant it literally.’ He didn’t look at Lottie when he said that but picked up a piece of sea glass and handed it to her.