Page 55 of Sun, Sea and Spotted Squid

His mother’s voice ran around his head.

Thankfully the crew he’d be working with seemed a friendly lot. They instantly nicknamed him “Lifesaver”.

“It is an appropriate name,” Wolfgang said, finally pushing himself into the group. “I would be at the bottom of the sea if it weren’t for this incredible man.”

Sam met his gaze and found genuine affection there.

“I hope I don’t have to do it again here,” Sam replied. “Although we’re in different teams. Such a shame.”

He held Wolfie’s gaze for a second before asking a colleague about his time in Thailand. The heat was off and staying that way.

By the time he returned to his bungalow, fatigue was making him dizzy. The wine had packed a punch. He wobbled up the wooden staircase, stripped to his boxers and collapsed onto the bed. It felt so comfortable after the lumpy monstrosity he’d had to get used to.

He suddenly had an urge to call his mother.

“Hello?”

“It’s me.”

“Hi, me. You got there safely then?”

Damn. I forgot to message her.

“That’s why I’m calling now.”

“Are you drunk?”

“Do I have to be drunk to want to speak to my mother.”

“There must be something the matter. What is it?”

Tears welled in his eyes and the words caught in his throat. Why was it always so hard telling this woman something was wrong.

“He’s here,” he stammered. “Wolfgang.”

For a few seconds all he heard was her breathing.

“How do you feel?”

He had absolutely no idea how he bloody felt. “Weird. I signed up for a new life and now he’s going to be under my feet morning, noon and night.”

“Did he tell you what the hell he’s playing at?”

“I didn’t really give him the chance.”

“Oh Sammy, listen. That temper of yours will lose you chances. I know because you get it from me. I’m not saying you have to forgive and forget but you must try to listen to people.”

“Erm…you said not to let a man ruin my chances.”

“Exactly. I didn’t say let everyone think you’re a moody sod in the process. Anyway, it’s a bloody big world out there. Why has he come to you?”

Sam hadn’t even considered the effort Wolfgang must have gone to. Pulling it off and no doubt convincing Ruben and Matome it would be a wonderful surprise. Well it was no mean feat.

“At least I didn’t attack him,” he said. “That has to be something.”

“Of course it is. Now get yourself some sleep. Everything’s better in the morning.”

“I love you, Mum.”