Page 36 of The Secret Beach

‘The last thing I want to do is upset anyone,’ Tamara assured her. ‘I’m trying to do my best for the town.’

Nikki could feel a red mist coming down as she thought about how she would explain the decision to Juno. She knew Juno struggled with her self-esteem and her confidence. A knock like this would prove Juno’s narrative to herself: that she wasn’t ever going to be good enough.

‘What about a duet?’ she heard herself say. ‘It would be the perfect compromise. It would be a huge boost for Juno. And it would give Zak a chance to really integrate himself into the town and our story, rather than taking over and making it all about him.’

There was silence. Tamara’s smile had frozen. Around her, Nikki could hear the committee murmuring their agreement, nodding in approval. A bit bloody late, she thought. But better late than never.

‘I reckon that’s a grand idea.’ Sandy Rogers was the first to speak up.

‘And me.’ Mandy Elwell chimed in her support.

‘How about we put that to the vote?’ suggested Nikki. ‘All those in favour of a duet, put up their hand.’

Of the ten people on the committee, four put up their hand. With Nikki that made five. Then Helen added hers.

‘That’s six out of ten,’ Nikki said.

There was a moment while Tamara considered her options. She wasn’t happy but she didn’t have much choice.

‘I’ll talk to Zak and see what he says,’ she said.

‘Perfect,’ said Nikki.

The tension in the room relaxed after that, and the agenda moved on to more mundane things. Security, publicity, litter – most of the roles were allocated to particular members of the committee and it was a well-oiled machine. Several of them gave Nikki their approval behind Tamara’s back, which she appreciated, though she didn’t understand why they hadn’t stood up for her in the first place. Dazzled by the prospect of Zak’s celebrity, she supposed. Anyway, all was well and they were set fair.

At the end of the meeting, Tamara came up to her.

‘No hard feelings, I hope.’

‘Of course not,’ said Nikki.

Tamara was rummaging about in her capacious handbag.

‘We’re opening our new bar next Friday. I really hope you can come.’

Nikki looked down at the invitation Tamara handed her. It was glossy, with a beautiful illustration of a woman rising out of the sea bearing a trident.

‘Salacia,’ said Tamara. ‘The Roman goddess of the sea. We thought that was the perfect name.’

Nikki appreciated this was an olive branch.

‘It’s fantastic. And I’ve seen the work you’ve been doing. Wow!’

Tamara and Duke had done a complete refurb on the old post office at the start of the quay. There was now a double-height glass frontage, with mezzanine floors and twisty lights made from Murano glass. Definitely more Soho than Speedwell.

‘Do bring a plus one.’

‘Thank you.’ For a split second, her new neighbour flashed into her mind. It would be the perfect way to repay Adam’s hospitality.

‘I’m sorry if you thought I was treading on your toes earlier.’ Tamara leaned into her. Nikki found herself drowning in the scent of honey and cardamom and violets. ‘I didn’t mean to disrespect Juno. I guess I was overexcited about Zak and what it would mean to the fundraising. I know it’s a constant battle, to raise money. And how important the lifeboat is to the town.’

Nikki wondered if she’d misjudged her, and if she’d been a bit harsh, calling her out like that in front of everyone.

‘I think the duet could really work,’ she said. ‘If he’s up for it.’

‘I’ll give him no choice. I’ll tell him that’s the deal,’ said Tamara with an impish grin.

Nikki was surprised. She had misjudged her. She must be more careful. She knew she was tense and overwound about the card that had arrived earlier. It had put her on edge, and she’d ended up behaving rather badly, which was somewhat out of character. Years of wedding planning had taught her tact, diplomacy and patience.

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