Page 37 of The Path to the Last House Before the Sea

‘Well, that’s fortunate because I’ve just been hearing all about you,’ said Miri brightly.

‘Have you?’ Alyssa shot him a quizzical look. ‘None of it good, I dare say.’

Jack groaned quietly. This was going from bad to worse. If Miri found out he’d been lying, he’d never live down the humiliation. Not only had he failed as a husband and been ousted by some idiot called Damian, but he was such a sad sap, he was now making up fantasy girlfriends.

Jack came to a sudden decision. Whatever it took, Miri must never find out the truth.

He grabbed hold of Alyssa’s hand. ‘None of it good? You’re such a joker! Thank you so much for returning my jumper, Aly.’ Alyssa glanced at her hand and gave a discreet pull, but Jack tightened his fingers around hers. ‘I didn’t realise you still had it after our walk on the cliffs. That was a beautiful sunset, wasn’t it?’

He tried to smile at Alyssa but he could feel his mouth wobbling. What on earth was happening to him?

‘Would you care to join us, Alyssa?’ asked Miri with studied politeness. ‘You can tell me all about yourself.’

For the love of all that’s holy, please say no!

Jack’s eyes met Alyssa’s and she hesitated, her hair blowing in the breeze. ‘Thank you for the invitation but I can’t stop right now. I have a tour to organise.’

Jack breathed out slowly, his whole body tense.

‘That’s a shame.’ Miri smiled. ‘Jacky told me that you’re involved in the tourism industry.’

Alyssa shrugged. ‘I guess you could call it that. I run myths and legends tours around the village and across Dartmoor.’

‘Myths and legends? What, ghouls and ghosts?’

Alyssa caught Miri’s incredulous tone and her smile froze. ‘That’s right. Ghosts, ghouls, demons and dragons. Very large sea dragons.’

‘Gosh.’ Miri looked questioningly at him. ‘I didn’t think Jack was into that kind of thing, but they do say that opposites attract. So how long have you two been together?’

As Alyssa stiffened beside him, Jack closed his eyes. She was about to tell Miri there was no way in hell she’d ever go out with a man like him. Or she’d simply laugh and walk off. He wasn’t sure which would be worse.

But when he opened his eyes, Alyssa was still standing there. She gave him a cool stare. ‘How long is it, Jacky? Not that long, really. We met on a tour and just clicked. Isn’t that right?’

‘Mmm, that’s right,’ he mumbled, so grateful she hadn’t outed him, he could have kissed her.

‘So, are these tours the only work you do?’ asked Miri.

‘No, I also work part-time in Stan’s store.’

‘Do you? That’s nice. You’re becoming a part of the family.’

Miri sounded quite put out. But she had no right. Not when she’d just told him she was sleeping with someone else.

‘I guess. Anyway, I’ll leave you to it,’ said Alyssa, gently pulling her hand from Jack’s. He hadn’t realised he was still holding on to it. ‘It was lovely to meet you, Miri.’

‘You too,’ said Miri coolly, running a hand across her forehead. ‘I hope to see you again soon.’

‘That would be great,’ said Alyssa, sounding as if she didn’t mean what she was saying either.

Jack sighed as Alyssa walked off. She already thought he was boring and overly serious. Now she must think he was losing his mind.

‘She seems… nice,’ said Miri, watching Alyssa move away, the red scarf tied around her pink-streaked ponytail swinging with every step. ‘She’s not quite… well…’

‘Not quite what?’

‘Not quite the sort of woman I’d have expected you to go for.’

‘Why’s that?’

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