‘I just wanted shot of it all, Joe,’ Charlie went on, ‘and I had no idea you were genuinely interested in taking it on. I just assumed . . .’

There was that word again.

‘That you were happy where you were.’

‘And you also assumed that folk wouldn’t pitch in and help,’ Joe rather unnecessarily pointed out.

‘I know,’ Charlie tutted. ‘I did everyone a huge disservice in thinking that, but I’d got so low, I couldn’t see beyond my own problems.’

‘We’ve all been there, mate,’ said Sam. ‘There’s been many a time that I’ve wanted to lock up and never do another shift behind this bar myself.’

It was kind of him to say that and the expression on Charlie’s face confirmed that he appreciated the show of solidarity.

‘We need to keep talking, don’t we?’ he said. ‘A problem shared and all that.’

‘Exactly,’ said Sam, ‘although us blokes are a bit crap at it sometimes.’

‘Which is why you need to keep opening the pub,’ said Joe. ‘There’s nothing we can’t sort out over a pint.’

‘You’re probably right,’ Sam smiled.

Hope and I exchanged another quick look. From what I could work out, talking things through had made all the difference to Sam and Joe. There had been no need for my sis and me to pry or push at all and I was now feeling rather pleased that I hadn’t rushed out of Wynmouth when I had the chance.

‘Right,’ said Charlie. ‘I suppose I’d better get back. There’s no telling what that dog’s been up to while we’ve been gone. I’ll come and pick you up in a bit, Joe.’

‘All right,’ said Joe. ‘I’ll see you later.’

‘I’m going to check flight prices this afternoon,’ Charlie said keenly, ‘because after the harvest is in, you won’t see me for dust. Not for a while anyway.’

That made Joe smile all the more and once Charlie had gone, Sam locked the door behind him and led the remaining four of us into the snug.

‘So,’ said Hope, eager as ever as she took the chair next to Sam, who had quickly made us all a drink, ‘what’s going on?’

‘Joe still has more to say,’ said Sam, handing out mugs of tea, ‘but none of it is for public consumption.’

Joe didn’t say anything.

‘Don’t you?’ Sam prompted, staring hard at Joe who was opposite him.

‘Okay,’ said Joe, rubbing his hands together and taking a deep breath, ‘Okay.’

Sam sat back in his chair and shook his head.

‘I’m doing it,’ Joe told him, ‘I’m doing it. Just give me a minute, all right.’

‘Don’t let him bully you, Joe,’ said Hope, giving Sam a sharp nudge. ‘I don’t know what’s gone on between you two today, but—’