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Ash peered over her shoulder. A deep frown formed between her brows, and she groaned.

“I’m right, aren’t I?”

Ash tried to suppress a smile. “Yeah, but no one likes a smart-arse.”

The bartender finally turned to them. “Two gin and tonics, please… yeah, you better make them doubles.”

Drinks in hand, they moved away from the bar to a quiet corner just as the DJ took to the microphone and introduced the bhangra band. A chorus of cheers echoed around the room as the dhol drummer started up and party guests flooded the dance floor. Their vibrant clothing shimmered in a kaleidoscope of colours as they danced around a couple in the centre; Nik and a stunning young woman who Alice assumed was his fiancée. The throng moved in time, winding their hands in the air and bumping their hips.

“Well, that got the party going.” Alice tapped her hand on her leg to the beat, and glanced at Ash, who was scowling into her drink. Despite the confusing churn in her stomach, Alice knew what to say. “You should try to speak to her.”

“Sorry, what?” Ash turned her ear towards Alice.

Alice leaned in, catching the woody scent of her. “I said, you should speak to Sam. It might help clear the air between you. Maybe it’ll give you some closure?”

Ash grimaced. “What if she doesn’t want to speak to me?”

“I think it’s clear that she does. She hasn’t stopped looking at you.”

Ash’s eyebrows peaked. “Really?”

Alice tilted her head in the direction of Sam. “Am I wrong?”

“Er, no. She’s looking this way right now.” Ash slowly raised her hand in a discreet wave at the woman across the room. “Right, well. Yeah. Maybe I’ll speak to her after I’ve had another drink. Would you mind?”

Alice shook her head and gave Ash a small smile.

“I’ll introduce you to some nice aunties so you’re not on your own.”

Alice waved a hand. “I’ll be fine. I’m on a friend-making streak at the moment.”

“Yeah?”

“Well, there’s you, and George. Oh, and that nice nurse, Marjorie.”

Ash spluttered a laugh. “Nurse Reid isn’t your friend. She tolerates you at best, like she does everyone.”

“How rude!” Alice grinned.

* * *

With another G&Tin hand, Alice watched as Ash walked towards the pretty woman in blue. The woman’s heavily made-up eyes fixed on Ash, her lips parting before forming a smile. As Ash drew near, Sam turned to say something to her husband; he gave a brief nod and continued his conversation with the other couple.

The two women stepped away together. Ash’s shoulders looked rigid as she manoeuvred through the entrance, gesturing for Sam to go first.

And then they were gone. Off having a cosy chat in a quiet corner, where they’d no doubt talk about how much they missed each other and how nothing compared. Alice’s heart sank to her heels at the thought, but she had no right to feel like that. She was here as Ash’s confidante, her emotional crutch —her friend.

An emotional outpouring from Alice was the last thing Ash needed right now,wasn’t it?

With a deep sigh, Alice pulled out her phone and tapped out a response to an earlier text from Maggie.

We’ve arrived in one piece, although I’m not sure I’ll be leaving that way.

She deleted the words and typed out something a little less melodramatic. No wonder Maggie always thought her life was a trash fire; she didn’t exactly paint the best picture. Not wanting to be anti-social, she slipped her phone back into her clutch and peered around for someone to chat to. She didn’t have to look far as Nik was striding over, his bearded face beaming.

“Ey up! She’s gone and left you on your own, has she?”

The sound of Nik’s accent made Alice’s chest flutter, although admittedly she preferred it on Ash. Same went for those kind brown eyes, rich and warm like molten chocolate.