Page 30 of Ride the Wave

‘Determined, smart, self-sufficient,’ he corrects gently. ‘And something about you that draws everyone in – yet you hold them at bay.’

‘Here I was thinking I was difficult to read.’ I take a sip of wine, blushing. ‘Am I that easy to crack? We’ve only had one lunch.’

‘You’ll have to let me know how it goes with Leo,’ he says, brushing over my embarrassment with a secretive smile. ‘I think you two might just get on.’

9

In the end, it’s Flora who reminds me what I’m here to do.

We’re on a video call as I sit on the balcony of the flat, looking out at the ocean, the breeze tickling my shoulders, and when I’ve told her that I still haven’t spoken to Leo, she’s understandably confused.

‘But you’ve interviewed his dad,’ she checks, pottering about her kitchen.

‘Yeah, he’s great.’ I inhale deeply. ‘Flora, you really need to come here, especially as an artist. You need to paint this view. The beach is so beautiful, framed by these amazing cliffs – can you see them in the distance? Hang on, if I move the phone—’

‘Iris, why are you talking to me about theview? You need to speak to Leo!’

‘I’ve tried.’ I shrug. ‘He’ll come round.’

‘Yeah, once you’ve persuaded him to,’ she says, her brow furrowed. ‘When he was playing Wimbledon, there’s no way Kieran would have chosen to speak to a journalist. If this guy is the same calibre, you need to make an effort.’

‘What do you think I’m doing?’

‘I think you’re enjoying a lovely holiday in a place that is clearly starting to distract you from your job. All you’ve told me about so far is how amazing Burgau is and your subject’s charming father.’

‘He is charming. And nothing could distract me from my job! This is delicate. I can’t force him to talk to me. I’ll make him see the light. Eventually.’

‘Uh-huh.’ She gives a sceptical look down the camera. ‘Can I give you my opinion?’

‘It sounds like I don’t have a choice in the matter.’

‘You’re not fighting for this story.’

‘Hey!’

‘You’re not!’ she maintains. ‘If he was a tennis player, you’d be out on those courts every day. Look at that ski dude that everyone fell in love with – you basically followed him on a pair of skis every day.’

‘Did you use the word “dude”?’ I ask, appalled.

‘I’m saying that I think your… worries might be affecting how much you want this story. The Iris I know would immerse herself in the world of her subject whether they’re ready for her or not.’

‘What do you want me to do, Flora?’ I sigh huffily. ‘I can’t follow him into the sea. You… you know I can’t do that.’

‘Maybe this is the opportunity you need to finally face your fear, Iris.’

I groan. ‘Flora, Ican’t.’

‘Okay, fine. Well, is he in the sea right now?’

‘No, he’s… he’s at yoga.’

A satisfied smile appears on her lips. ‘Youlike yoga.’

I take a moment, letting her point sink in.

‘Out of interest, when did you decide that Leo Silva got to make the rules?’ Flora continues breezily, propping up her phone on something so she can light a three-wick candle on her coffee table before she plonks herself down on the sofa. ‘I get that you need him for the story, but doesn’t he need you, too? He needs this publicity.’

Damn it. She’s right.

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