And so began several hours of poses, standing, sitting, solo, and together. After nearly three hours, Riley needed a moment or two to herself. Without a word, she wandered down to the water’s edge, stopping just out of reach of the gentle waves that were lapping ashore. Her toe caught something, and she bent down to investigate what it was. It was a small perfectly formed conch shell with stunning mother of pearl markings. Carefully, she rinsed it off in the shallows then slipped it into her jacket pocket, a souvenir of the day.
“Perfect,” declared Neil, appearing beside her. “Totally relaxed shots. Thank you, beautiful lady.”
“Sneaky,” laughed Riley. “I never knew you were there.”
“That’s the whole idea,” replied the photographer. “Your band are being herded back onto the bus, by the way.”
“Thanks. Guess I better say goodbye to the ocean.”
“Well, you’re taking a little piece home in your pocket,” observed Neil, referencing the shell. “If you’ve sand in your pocket, you’re never far from the shore.”
“Ain’t that the truth.”
Once back on the bus, Riley sat up at the back on her own. She sifted through her large soft leather hobo bag until she found her lyrics journal, curled her feet up under her and began to scribble furiously. Every now and then she put her hand in her pocket and ran her fingers over the shell. Inspiration had struck when Neil said about taking a little piece of the beach home in her pocket.
Pre-order using the links below to ensure Riley is ready and waiting on your kindle on 18 Nov 2022
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9SWP6K3
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B9SWP6K3/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_S6SCJ8PPM7NPDDHPNR8P
** note- this tale makes reference to self-harm**
Coral McCallum 