Page 86 of Washed Up

Dylan was leaning on the gate, rubbing the donkeys’ heads. ‘They’re amazing,’ he said in an awed voice.

‘They’re a pain in the ass,’ said Frankie, giving Derek’s ears a scratch. ‘Forgive the pun, but they escape practically every day. I spend half my life chasing them around the island.’

‘You love them,’ said Bobby.

‘I do. They’re full of personality. But Dad isn’t so keen.’

‘Good job you came,’ said Dylan, who was still breathing hard, to Bobby. ‘Not sure I’d have managed my bags all the way up here.’

‘All part of the Herm service,’ said Bobby. Frankie giggled and he threw her a look. ‘I know, I know, you’re surprised I can remember.’ He eyed Dylan. ‘My sister has a few issues with the fact I left the island when I was sixteen. Something she’s always wanted to do, incidentally.’

Dylan looked at her, eyebrows raised. ‘Is that so?’

Frankie crossed her arms. ‘It was, as it goes. But when this total knobhead went and left me behind, I couldn’t, could I? I couldn’t leave our mum and dad alone.’

Bobby gave a barking laugh. ‘That’s just an excuse. You could have left any time.’

She could feel Dylan watching her closely. ‘Ahem. Anyway, I’m sure Dylan doesn’t want to hear all that. Shall we go? Heron is a bit further along here, but I’m sure you remember.’

‘I do,’ said Dylan in a low voice.

‘Come on if you’re coming,’ said Bobby, slinging Dylan’s other bag over his shoulder without so much as a wince.

‘I can take it,’ said Dylan, bristling a little. Frankie stifled a smile.

‘You just look after my sister,’ said Bobby, a touch of menace in his voice.

Dylan stared at him, then coughed. ‘Oh, you mean, walk with her?’

Bobby did a double take. ‘What? What did you think I meant?’

‘Never mind,’ said Dylan, grinning. Then, turning to Frankie, he said, ‘Shall we?’

Frankie, who had been pretending to focus on something in the hedge, turned to him as if she hadn’t heard. ‘Sorry, what?’

‘Let’s go,’ he said.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

When they got to Heron Cottage, Dylan let out a low whistle. ‘Ah, I remember you,’ he said softly.

‘It’s only been two weeks,’ said Frankie.

‘I know, but still,’ he replied, giving the front door an appreciative pat.

‘You could have had Egret, down by the water,’ said Frankie. ‘Didn’t my mum give you the options? That one looks right out over the beach. Inspiration everywhere you look.’

‘It’s full in the second week, I think. But anyway, I wanted this one,’ said Dylan. ‘It has good vibes.’ He looked at Frankie meaningfully.

‘Whatever you say,’ said Frankie, her cheeks warming.

Bobby scoffed. ‘Good vibes. The whole island has good vibes, man. So long as you didn’t grow up here, that is.’

‘Ignore him,’ said Frankie. ‘It was a great place to grow up.’

Dylan was looking at him. ‘Thanks for your help, Bobby,’ he said pointedly.

Bobby blinked at him, and there it was. The penny finally dropped. ‘Oh. Sure. Listen, great to have you with us, man. I’m only here a couple more days but if you fancy a drink at the pub…’ He reached out his hand to shake Dylan’s.