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Maggie cleared her throat and changed the subject. “So, are you going to tell that cute doctor how you feel about her?”

A grin stretched across Alice’s lips. “You think she’s cute, too?”

Maggie’s eye-roll was almost audible. “Yes, Alice. She’s hot. And single, right?”

“Yeah, she’s single.”

“Well, go for it, if that’s what you want.”

“But what if she doesn’t want that and I blow the chance of having an actual friend?”

Maggie chuckled. “You’re going to blow the friendship part if you keep drooling over her when you think she’s not looking anyway, so you may as well tell her how you feel.”

“Okay, I will. Maybe at the weekend. Like you said, emotions are heightened at these events. Oooh, talking of the party?—”

Maggie groaned. “Oh, here it comes.”

“Don’t, Mags, you know I’m going to be good for the money. I’ve signed that settlement and I’m on my way to drop it off to Truscote now. Then I was going to look for something to wear. Please, just a little loan until the money comes through.”

“Christ, you’re bloody hopeless, but alright. I’ll transfer some money now.”

“Thank you, darling sis. You’re the best. I’ll pay back everything, I promise. Now I just have to find something that either goes with or goes over this bloody cast.”

“I’m sure a sparkly pink number will do the job, Barbie.”

“Shut up, you. Ooh, my Uber is here, gotta go.” Alice pinned the phone to her ear with her shoulder as she opened the rear door of the white car that pulled up alongside her. “Love you, bye… and don’t forget the money,” she added before hanging up.

Through the tinted window, Alice looked back at the pub, imagining Fran seated inside, scowling into a glass of red wine.

“Goodbye, Fran,” she said under her breath as the Uber sped off.

22

ONESIE

The rest of the week passed in a blur. Alice collected her remaining office plant-babies and hand-delivered the signed settlement agreement. A very relieved Truscote confirmed she’d juggled her diary to accommodate an appointment with George. Alice relayed the news to a delighted George when she dropped by with a cheerful bouquet of daffodils and hyacinths.

Alice enjoyed a couple of lunch dates with Ash, and on Ash’s night off, she invited Alice over. Her place turned out to be the spacious top floor of a Regency townhouse, and it looked like a show home, which Ash had brushed off by saying, “It’s only tidy because I’m never here.” Once Alice had finished gawping at everything, they ate Thai takeaway and binge-watched half a dozen episodes ofFriends— seriously,Friends. Then Ash drove her home just before midnight, muttering something about an early morning suit fitting in the next county.

If this was friendship, and all Ash had to offer, then Alice would gladly take it. Yet, ever since their meeting in the park, when Ash had talked about her ex, things felt a little less comfortable between them. Alice tried not to overthink it, but wondered if her own unspoken feelings were the problem. Needless to say, she was having doubts about airing them now.

Just three days after delivering the signed agreement, the settlement money landed in Alice’s bank account. First things first, she paid off her credit card, and then she repaid all the money she owed her sister. As a thank-you, she booked a spa weekend for Maggie and Markus, and even though she suspected Maggie might enjoy it more, she had to admit they’d both been there for her when times were tough.

Following two unsuccessful shopping trips, Alice found the perfect outfit online; a sparkly black jumpsuit with long puffy sleeves that would cover her pink cast. Of course, she hadn’t been able to resist the perfect strappy heels to go with it. Or the matching clutch bag.

She’d tried everything on when it arrived, but now, all done up and twirling in front of the mirror, she really admired the fit — the jumpsuit hugged her waist and flowed around her curves perfectly. She wanted Ash to see her put together properly for once, so she’d taken her time getting ready, cajoling her curls into shape and putting on her face.

When Ash knocked on the door, Alice exhaled a long breath before opening it.

“Wow,” they said at the sight of each other, and nervous laughter burst from them. Ash looked more done up than Alice had ever seen her. She’d swept her hair back in a way that accentuated her striking features, especially her eyes.Fuck the party.Alice wanted to close the door and push Ash up against it.

“Alice, you look…” Ash breathed heavily. “Like a movie star. I’m, just… wow, look at you.”

“I could say the same to you.” She reached out and touched the velvet fabric of Ash’s embroidered longline jacket. “I love this.”

“Yeah?” Ash looked down at her outfit. “I had it made especially.”

“That’s why it looks so perfect on you.”