Three Small Words

A stunning sunset, sea breeze and peace and quiet – this was the perfect moment

- Lia Louis

Sunset. That was my younger brother’s advice. ‘Trust me,’ he’d said. ‘It’s all about the vibe, you know? The atmosphere. Tell her at sunset.’

I’d worried about the cheesiness instantly. ‘Isn’t it a bit… tacky?’ I’d asked, and he’d rolled his eyes, lifting a T-shirt from my open suitcase.

‘You don’t watch Hallmark romances like I do, Jack,’ he replied. ‘You didn’t grow up reading Mum’s romance novels in the shed.’

‘But this is me and Hayley. And Hayley’s…’

‘Human. Hayley’s human, Jack. Seriously. Find me someone who isn’t wooed by a sunset, and I’ll show you a massive liar. I’m telling you. Do it!’

And I did try.

We were wandering along the beach, after dinner at that restaurant – the ramshackle one Hayley loves with the mad portions and free limoncello – and there it was: this sunset, all purples and pinks and Hallmark Romance. And we sat on the sand together, a couple of cheerful seagulls our only company. Perfect.