That wasn’t very likely because I’d never really socialised with anyone in the village. Wynter’s Trees was located too far out to make it possible for my teenage self to get to the beach without parental assistance and given that the Chevy was Dad’s favoured mode of transport, I preferred to stay at home, rather than draw the extra unwelcome attention. I hadn’t passed my driving test until a few weeks before I left for university, by which time it was too late to form lasting local friendships.

‘I don’t think I will, but thanks for the offer,’ I said. ‘I’m still feeling washed out from the hectic term, so I’m going to have another early night.’

‘Fair enough,’ said Ned. ‘As long as you’re sure?’

‘I am.’

‘I was hoping to have the chance to tell you a bit more about my plans for the huts before I went,’ he added, glancing over at the clock. ‘But I’ve offered to help set up and if I don’t get a move on, I’ll be late. If you did come, I could tell you on the way.’

‘There’s no need,’ I told him. ‘It’s fine.’

‘But I don’t want you thinking…’

‘I don’t think anything,’ I cut in, waving his words away. ‘Honestly.’

‘Hang on,’ he laughed. ‘You don’t know what I’m going to say yet.’

‘Yes, I do.’ I smiled back, because I found it impossible not to when he looked so amused. ‘You were going to say you don’t want me thinking that you’re going to fill the huts with mass-produced plastic crap.’

He shook his head.

‘Weren’t you?’

‘Yes,’ he admitted. ‘Well, something like that.’

‘Well, I don’t think that,’ I insisted. ‘Especially not since you set me straight so quickly. In fact, I’m looking forward to seeing the huts set up and stocked. And I’m looking forward to meeting these small business owners you’re so keen to help out too.’

The words flowed out and rather took me by surprise. I put them down to my desire to see the business continuing to thrive and looking like an even more irresistible prospect.

‘Well, that’s great,’ said Ned, scratching his head.

I got the impression that he had been expecting more of a battle than an easy ride.

‘In that case, I’ll get ready and go,’ he carried on. ‘And I’ll shut Bandit in the utility room before I leave. That way you might get an undisturbed night. You’re sure you don’t want to come? Some of the people who will be selling from the huts are bound to be there.’

‘No, it’s okay,’ I reiterated. ‘I need some sleep, but thanks for asking.’