Summer at the Cornish Cafe. Phillipa Ashley

twenty-one, almost the same age as you.’

      ‘Polly says she was homeless.’

      ‘How does she know that?’

      ‘I don’t know. Village grapevine?’

      I soften my tone but St Trenyan gossip never changes. God knows what they’ve made up about me, though it can’t be any more outlandish than the truth I suppose.

      ‘Not exactly. Demi was working at Sheila’s Beach Hut but was looking for a fresh start with accommodation. She’s had catering and um … other hospitality experience. She needed a break and I needed staff. End of.’

      We ride along the edge of the cliff now and a gull swoops low, startling Robyn’s horse but she soon regains control and carries on as if nothing had happened. She’s far more confident than before I went away, with the horse at least. I’m not sure she’s happy, though, and I don’t quite know why.

      ‘We were a bit surprised that you’d moved that quickly. Are you really planning to re-open the park again soon?’

      ‘It’s either that or let the whole place rot, and we could do with some jobs round here from what I saw in St Trenyan. It could just be me, but it looks more run-down than before I went away. I can’t sit on my arse letting the park go downhill even further when I could do some good with it.’

      ‘I’m not criticising, Cal. I’m right behind you and if there’s anything I can do to help, just ask.’

      ‘Thanks.’

      ‘I didn’t only come over to share the gossip. I also wanted to ask you to a party.’

      I burst out laughing. ‘I’m not in much of a party mood.’

      ‘I know that but this is important. It’s a charity ball at the Dolphin Country Club in aid of a homeless charity.’

      I laugh at the irony. ‘Thanks, but I’m too busy trying to get the business back on its feet. You know what they say: charity begins at home.’

      ‘You don’t believe that!’

      I urge the horse to a trot and the ocean grows closer, the waves like the hooves of a thousand horses galloping to meet us.

      ‘I haven’t said when this ball is yet,’ Robyn shouts to me.

      ‘Whenever it is, I’m too busy.’

      She catches up with me easily. ‘This event will be good for your business. My friend says all the local “great and good” will be there.’

      ‘There you are then: I don’t count as either.’

      ‘Argh, Cal, you drive me nuts. Say you’ll come? You can take me with you, as there’s no one else worth going with.’

      My jaw aches from trying not to smile. ‘Won’t that be like going with your brother?’

      She wrinkles her nose. ‘No, this would be more like going with my gay best friend.’

      ‘Thanks.’

      ‘Go on, you know you’re tempted. You love to shock people.’

      I laugh, wondering if she has any idea what I might have done while I’ve been ‘away’.

      ‘I haven’t upset you, have I? Dad says I never think before I speak and I talk too much … Luke definitely thinks so. He told me.’

      ‘Then they’re both talking out of their arses and Luke should shut up.’

      ‘Maybe they’re right.’ She laughs but I feel angry with my uncle and Luke.

      ‘Be yourself, and screw anyone who doesn’t like it.’

      ‘That’s not always so simple. I haven’t got a proper job apart from working in the Tinner’s and I can’t afford my own place yet.’

      I think of the cottages on the estate and the fact I let Demi have one, but I can’t afford to give away any more of them and besides, I can’t interfere in Robyn’s life; she needs to stand up to my uncle and make her own way.

      ‘So, you’ll come to this charity do? You’d be doing me a massive favour.’

      Her voice is light but holds an edge of desperation. I get the feeling there’s something she’s not telling me.

      ‘I’ll think about it.’