Page 60 of An Island in the Sun

‘Not much, apart from working.’

‘And Raff…’

‘Working too.’

‘Uh, that’s so disappointing. I want gossip. Ineedgossip!’

‘Well,’ Tabitha said, wondering if it was a good idea to tell her sister this or not, but feeling the need to tell her something. ‘I am going to a wedding with Raff tomorrow.’

‘As his date?’

‘Well, his plus-one.’

‘So a date then.’ She could hear the grin in Elspeth’s voice. ‘Cool. I look forward to finding out how it goes. It’s going to be a good weekend for weddings.’

‘I really hope everything goes well for you guys tomorrow.’

‘You and me both. This will be such a good income strand for us. The setting is, well, just lush. I can’t wait for you to see it finished.’

‘Pop lots of photos on Instagram.’

‘Don’t worry, I will. The same goes for you too. Plus a pic of Raff would be nice.’

‘Yeah, yeah,’ Tabitha said, smiling.

They said goodbye, Elspeth to finish her wine and have an early night before the excitement and stress of the first wedding hosted in their newly renovated barn, and Tabitha to sit quietly and contemplate how easy her life felt right at that moment, far from the stresses of real life, in a bubble on the island of Madeira as she waited for Raff to return with the dogs.

She opened up the photos on her phone and scrolled to the one she’d taken of her and Raff in the pool. Beaming tanned faces, their arms around each other, Raff’s chest on display… She opened up her conversation thread with Elspeth on WhatsApp, attached the photo, paused for a moment, then clicked send.

Within ten seconds, Elspeth replied.

OMG, Tabs! How is he just a friend?!

Tabitha smiled as she wrote a reply.

Just because he’s good-looking doesn’t mean anything has to happen. I’m enjoying his company.

Elspeth replied with seven laughing emojis, swiftly followed by:

But, seriously, you two look gorgeous together and it’s SO nice to see you looking happy. Have fun at the wedding! ;-);-);-) Xxxxx

Tabitha sent a message wishing her and Gethin luck again for tomorrow. She clicked back on the photo of her and Raff. She did look happy. A spontaneous selfie with both of them grinning, smiles that reached their eyes. The realisation that shewashappy took her by surprise. It wasn’t that she’d been miserable while travelling around, but she’d been content to be on her own. Being around people felt too much like hard work, making connections, having meaningful conversations that didn’t stray into personal territory. Yet here, despite the ups and downs, she’d begun to crave Raff’s company and his friendship. His behaviour and the annoyance he’d caused still hadn’t put her off wanting to spend time with him, because it felt easy and natural. He had a way of making her feel good about herself and through the upset, disappointment and uncertainty that splitting with Lewis had caused, Raff showing up had had a positive impact.

Raff returning with the dogs interrupted Tabitha’s thoughts. He swaggered in through the bifold doors, followed by Bailey and Fudge, who, after lapping their bowls of water, flopped down panting on the cool tiles.

‘Did you see the sunset?’ Raff said as he hung up the leads.

‘Yep, it was lush. Just one of the things I’m going to miss.’ Elspeth’s words played over in Tabitha’s head, making her go hot. She really would miss Raff too. She cleared her throat. ‘What time do we need to leave tomorrow?’

‘I was going to book a taxi for eleven, unless you’re happy to drive?’

‘Yeah, I don’t mind driving.’ At least with them staying overnight, she’d still be able to drink. She looked at Raff as he sank into the armchair. ‘What’s the dress code? And, oh my goodness, I should take a present, shouldn’t I?’

Raff laughed. ‘I’ve got them a present, which we can sign from both of us.’ He met her eyes. ‘And dress code is a smart summer vibe.’

‘So a summery playsuit will be suitable?’

‘I think anything you put on would be suitable, but yeah, that sounds perfect.’ He held her gaze and her heart beat faster.

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