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“Seriously?” Hayley said. “I would love that.”

“I’m free tomorrow if that works?”

“I’m there.”

Hayley made friends everywhere she went. She was so great to be around. Anna listened as the conversation turned in another direction. It hadn’t sunk in yet that she could go on the trip with Hayley if she wanted to. Glenbuinidh had given her a unique opportunity. Maybe it would be good to lift the veil of illusion on Hayley once and for all, seeing her roughing it in a van for two months?

“How did you two meet?” Hayley said. She took a sip of wine.

Kelly and Myla glanced at each other, furtively. They were so cute together.

Kelly sat forward, resting her elbows on the table. “Long story.”

“We met at a gig in Glasgow,” Myla said.

“And then she took over my distillery.”

“But I let you keep it.”

Myla smiled and Kelly leant over and kissed her on the cheek. They had that lovers’ ease around each other.

“Right. Enough, you love birds,” Anna said.

“Well, I’ve only known you guys for a hot second and I can already tell you are just perfect for each other.” Hayley smiled and looked at Anna, but Anna couldn’t make out what the look was.

“Who’s for dessert?” Myla said, standing, picking up plates.

Everyone said yes and Hayley excused herself to go to the bathroom.

“Hayley’s awesome,” Myla said.

Anna smiled. “Yeah, she is.”

“Are you okay?” There was a hint of concern on Kelly’s face. Anna could tell Kelly knew how conflicted she was.

“I’m fine.”

“Nicole might be interested in renting your house by the way. It’s doing her head in living with the parents. Do you know what you’re going to do?”

That was excellent news. She could trust Kelly’s sister to move in at short notice, and she wouldn’t lose out financially. The reasons not to go were dwindling fast. Damn it. And time was running out for her to make a decision. “At this point Kelly, your guess is as good as mine.”

Five

September 2012

Anna willed this phone call to be over already. Her landlord was stressing her out. The main sports hall during Freshers’ Fair was not a good place to be talking about this. “It’s not easy to find a new flatmate. It needs to be the right person. That’s what we agreed, remember?”

“Find someone right away or I’ll do it for you. I’m sorry but it’s starting to cost me money and I can’t have that. I assume me finding someone is preferable to you all splitting the rent for the extra room between you.”

“Okay.” Anna sighed. “I’ll get it done. I will find someone.” She could see his point. It wasn’t fair on him either. “Speak to you later.” Anna hung up.

“Ouch. That sounded prickly.”

Anna looked up. A girl was standing in front of the table staring at her. She had an American accent and was possibly the most attractive girl Anna had ever seen. She had long wavy blonde hair and bright, intensely intelligent eyes. “Can I help you?”

The girl leaned forward. “I think the question is, can I help you?”

“Sorry?”