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“No one you’d know. Look, I thought I’d made it clear last night that it’s over between us.”

Fran stepped closer, blocking Alice’s path and placing a hand on her upper arm.

“Darling, sometimes we say things we don’t mean in the heat of the moment. I just want to talk things through and see where we get to after that. Where’s the harm?” Her voice was low and steady, as if trying to coax a scared animal.

Alice bit her lip as her courage wavered in the face of the woman she worshipped. The woman sheusedto worship.

No, no, no. It’s over.Her thoughts must have spilled into words as Fran stepped back, shoving her hands into the pockets of her tailored trousers. She inhaled a deep breath before speaking through tight lips, an edge of impatience in her voice.

“Look now, Alice. You’re making a scene. Shall we just sit, have a nice cup of tea and talk things through?”

Alice glanced over at Ash again, who gave a concerned smile and mouthed, “Are you okay?”

Somehow bolstered by the doctor’s kind eyes, Alice felt her courage restored.

“As you already noticed, Fran, I have company, so I would appreciate it if you would let me pass.”

Fran fixed Alice with a steely stare before stepping aside.

Surely, it wouldn’t be that easy.

With her heartbeat drumming in her ears, Alice placed the tray on the table and composed herself as she set the drinks and cakes in place.

“There we go,” she said, retaking her seat.

Ash looked at her with a worry-filled face. “Alice, are you okay? You’ve gone as white as?—”

Alice waved her hand. “I’m fine… I mean, that was my ex.”

Ash’s eyes popped, and she leaned forward. “Whoa, you mean your ex as of yesterday?” She side-glanced at the other woman, who was now giving a detailed drink order at the counter.

“Yup, that’s the one.”

Ash released a breathy laugh and sat back with her hands on her head. “Shit!”

Alice focused her eyes on the knotty reclaimed wood of the tabletop, not wanting to look at Ash or over at Fran. Adrenaline pulsed through her, making her hands shake so much the lid of the pot rattled when she poured her tea.

Ash leaned in and whispered, “How did she know you were here?”

The question caused Alice to sit up straight, her eyes searching for an answer. “I’ve, maybe… I really don’t?—”

Before she had any longer to think, Fran strode toward them with a mug in her hands. “Ladies, mind if I join you?” She placed the mug on the table without waiting for an answer and shoved a hand out to Ash. “Francesca Dalton, and you are?”

Alice’s mouth hung open in shock as Ash clasped Fran’s hand in an uncertain handshake. “Asha.”

“And tell me, Asha,” Fran carefully pronounced the name as if it were a foreign word her tongue might trip over, “how do you two know each other?”

“I, er… we don’t really… we met last night. I mean…”

“Oh, I see.” Fran’s eyes swivelled back to Alice. “So, this is why you haven’t been answering my texts and calls?”

Alice said nothing, but her cheeks flamed. She looked at Ash with pleading eyes and mouthed, “Sorry.” Fran leaned across them for the sugar sachets and continued her rampage whilst stirring white granules into her mug.

“Tinder, was it? Or some other pathetic little dating app for lesbians.”

Ash held up her hands. “Whoa, okay.” Shaking her head as she stood, she glanced from Alice to Fran. “You’re clearly upset and catching the wrong end of the stick, so I’m just going to?—”

“Leave? Yes, that would be best.” Fran pursed her lips.