Page 20 of That Island Feeling

‘Is that its official name? Not very catchy.’

‘Nope, the official name is Andinese. UN approval should come through any day now.’

‘Good luck with that. You know, unfortunately, these days we’d be more likely to see the ghost of Patrick Swayze,’ I say sadly.

‘Isn’t that a different movie starring Demi Moore and a potter’s wheel?’

‘Clever,’ I say, cheeks stretched.

‘I don’t mind a bit of arts and crafts myself. Shellcraft, not so much pottery, is more my –’

He’s cut short by a faint, low scream that echoes from downstream.

‘That did not sound good. I better head back and see what’s going on,’ Jack says, making a move to the door. ‘Hopefully they’ve just progressed to the chest-wax stag-dare. You all okay here? The wi-fi should auto-connect. We’re borrowing from Clam Cove Resort.’ He winks.

‘I think so,’ I say. ‘But maybe I should come with you? Check on the girls.’

Jack’s eyes lock on mine, his sea-green gaze steady. ‘I’ve got this, Andie. You stay and make your call.’

My call. Shit, yes. Toby. Dad. How had I almost forgotten?

‘Just shut the door on the way out,’ Jack instructs. ‘Use your phone’s torch on the dodgy driveway so you don’t trip. Once you’re at the end you’ll see a sign that says KEITH’S PLACE.’

‘Keith’s place? Not Coastal Haven, Bayfront Bliss or Seaside Serenity?’

He chuckles as he slips out the front door. ‘See you soon, Andie.’

My attention finally goes to my phone screen, and I connect to the wi-fi.

Toby picks up on the first ring. ‘Andie! Why are you calling? And at this hour?’

‘I wanted to check on Dad . . .’

Toby sighs loudly down the phone. ‘We went through this already. I told you that you can assume things are fine unless you hear from me.’

‘There was an issue with reception so –’

‘Relax, Andie!’ Toby interrupts sharply. ‘You need a holiday.’

‘How’s the cut on his head?’

‘It’s okay. You know this already.’

I swallow. ‘And can I ask how the pureed food went?’

‘It went fine.’

‘Okay. Good.’

There’s a long pause on the other end. I bet he feels guilty for snapping at me.

‘How’s the weather there?’ he asks eventually.

‘It’s perfect. Do you want to see?’

I walk out onto the deck, put the phone on speaker and switch the camera on to show him the river and the magnificent night sky.

‘Andie, it’s pitch-black.’

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