A writer’s retreat

Paula had agreed to meet Alex on Monday after checking out. She was planning to see her mum when she returned, but another hour or two wouldn’t make much difference as long as she didn’t leave it too

MUM?” Becky said. “When did you know Dad was the man for you?” “What? Pretty early, I think,” Frances replied, taken aback. “It’s so far in the past, I can’t remember.” “It’s important. Try and think

S a ffy and Neil had been married ...

EXCITEDLY opening slatted wooden shutters, Evie stepped on to the balcony, greeting the day. Her delicate pink silk robe was barely fluttering in the warm breeze drifting in from the sea. She smiled.

Creaking into the dusty, lookout point, Jessie pulled on the handbrake. Jumping out, she slammed the door. Clouds of grit tailed her maxi skirt to the front of the camper van. Lifting the bonnet, Jess

BY GABRIELLE MULLARKEY, PICTURES GETTY IMAGES, SHUTTERSTOCK CREATIVE ...