Page 74 of Washed Up

Frankie pointed out to sea where a rock called Caquorobert stood proudly out of the water. ‘If that’s where the water used to come up, that might explain it, it’s much deeper there. Lots of seaweed and rocks, we’ve kayaked around it a few times.’

‘Makes sense. How awful.’

‘It really is.’

‘Any other horrifying stories you want to share with me about this beautiful island?’

She considered that for a long moment. ‘No. That’s it for now I think.’

‘Right then.’

They were silent for a long while after that, Frankie cursing herself for her choice of anecdote. Why had she decided to tell him that? Why did she always feel the need to fill the silence? Especially with a horror story.

‘I think you’ve given me PTSD with that,’ said Jake, after a time.

‘I’m sorry. I can’t control my mouth sometimes.’

‘Nothing wrong with your mouth,’ he replied, then hastily cleared his throat. ‘I mean, ahem, it’s fine. Don’t worry.’

‘I did kill the conversation though, didn’t I?’

‘You did a bit. But don’t worry,’ said Jake, putting one finger in the air. ‘I have cake.’

‘Oh, thank God,’ said Frankie with relief.

Jake handed her a thick chocolate éclair filled with cream and she ate it without a word.

‘Anyway,’ he said when she’d finished. ‘A quick lie down, I think, then I need to get back. I’m meant to be helping at the harbour.’ He lay back on the blanket, hands behind his head.

After a beat of uncertainty, Frankie followed suit, and they lay side by side staring at the fluffy clouds, the bluest of blue skies over their heads, with Frankie desperately trying to think of something else to say that didn’t involve death or drowning. Why was it so hard?

‘How’s your brother getting on with Sally?’ said Jake eventually.

‘Erm. Well, I haven’t seen either of them much so I’m guessing it’s going well.’

‘Good on him,’ said Jake, then, as if remembering the company he was in, he added, ‘Sorry, I mean, good for them.’

Frankie sighed. ‘I just don’t know what she’s going to do when he’s gone again. I’m amazed he’s stuck out the army for this long, to be honest; he’s not exactly a sticker.’

‘Maybe she’ll change him. Maybe he already has.’

‘Doubtful,’ said Frankie.

Their hands were almost touching as they laid there next to each other on the blanket, and Frankie wondered whether she should make the first move. She wiggled her fingers a little, testing how far she’d need to move, seeing whether he reacted to her touch. Their hands brushed lightly and Frankie expected to feel a little frisson, but… nothing. Was this sexual tension between them or just ennui? Was she turned on or just bored? Just as Jake clearly had the same idea, moving his hand to take her fingers between his own, a shadow stretched across them both as someone approached.

‘This looks cosy,’ said a deep voice.

Frankie shielded her eyes, heart already thumping in her chest. It couldn’t be. It really couldn’t be, but somehow it was.

‘Dylan?’ she said, more of a squeal than a coherent sound.

‘Hello, Frankie,’ said Dylan.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Frankie and Jake sprang apart, Frankie scrambling to her feet and brushing the sand from her legs, buying some time to get her thoughts in order, her pulse pounding.

‘I’m back,’ said Dylan, shifting his stance, not even acknowledging Jake, who was now sitting up on the blanket, mouth slack in shock. ‘Aren’t you going to even look at me?’