Page 68 of A Secret Cornish Wish
‘Do you want to be on your own?’ a voice behind me asks. ‘I’ll go back in if you do.’
I turn around to see Rob.
‘It’s fine,’ I reply. ‘I just needed some air. The pub is super busy this evening.’
‘Yeah, Mum and Dad loved it on nights like this.’ He moves forward to stand next to me.
‘It must be strange for you not seeing them behind the bar?’
‘It is. But the new owners seem to be making a good job of everything. The Merry Mermaid looks to be in safe hands.’
There’s a moment of silence.
‘I’m sorry for what Mandy said.’ I say this at the same time as Rob says something similar.
We both smile.
‘She’s clearly had quite a lot to drink,’ Rob says. ‘Like Claire said, we shouldn’t be too cross with her.’
‘No, I know. But I don’t want to embarrass you in front of your friend.’
‘Mack’s all right. He runs a bar, remember? He’s used to people saying awkward and embarrassing things when drunk.’
‘I suppose so. How odd you two bumping into each other like that, though, halfway across the world.’
‘Funny thing is I wasn’t even going to visit that particular bar, but the girl I was with at the time insisted we went there. The relationship didn’t last long, but my patronage of that particular bar did. People always say it’s a small world.’
I wonder if he’s referring not only to him and Mack, but to our tryst in Edinburgh, too.
‘So how are things going in La La Land, then?’ I ask casually.
‘Good. I’ve finally bagged my first lead role.’
‘Yes, Claire was telling us about it. Congratulations, you’re actually going to get paid to be a superhero this time,’ I say with a wry smile.
‘I am indeed. Not quite Batman . . . ’ He raises his eyebrows. ‘But I think it’s going to be pretty big. They’re putting a lot of money into it, that’s for sure.’
‘Good. I’m pleased for you.’
‘You still taking the art world by storm?’
‘Hardly. But I’m still enjoying working at the gallery if that’s what you mean?’
‘Good. Good.’
There’s a pause in conversation, and all I can hear is the rather strange mix of the hum of people behind us in the pub, along with the clinking of their glasses. Versus in front, large waves splashing up against the harbour wall.
‘Should we talk about what happened in Edinburgh?’ Rob asks, looking out over the sea.
‘Do you want to?’
‘Only if you do.’
‘I’d rather not. Look, it was a great evening and everything. But it was a one-off.’
‘Yes, yes, of course. I know that. You don’t regret it though, do you?’
Do I regret sleeping with Rob? Until about a month ago, no. But just recently I’ve had quite a few regrets.
