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After another sharp inhale, Ash continued. “And I’m probably overstepping here, but that didn’t look like love from where I was standing; it looked like control.”

Alice nodded slowly. Ash was right, but what if that was it? What if Fran’s love was the best she’d ever have? What if it was theonlylove she’d ever have? Wasn’t something better than nothing? And besides, isn’t love like water? When you’re thirsty, who cares where it comes from? You’d drink from the gutter if you were desperate enough.

Ash smiled. “Lecture over; you’re tired, and hopefully hungry because I bought two ridiculous pizzas. Let’s get you inside and comfortable. I’ll have a couple of slices and then I’ll leave you in peace.”

* * *

“Mmm,I’m stuffed. That was delicious.” Alice patted her stomach and flopped back into the couch cushions.

“Told you! Fat Tony’s makes the best pizza in town. I’m ashamed to say I’m very well acquainted with most of the takeaways in Leamington. I’ve tried them all!” Ash leaned over the box as she bit into another slice, mozzarella stretching from her mouth to her hand.

“It must be difficult with your work schedule.”

Ash nodded as she chewed. “I guess it’s laziness, but it’s hard to get the motivation to cook for one.”

“Oh, I hear you! But to be honest, even when I do cook, it isn’t great.”

“I love cooking. I’ll cook for you sometime — that’ll solve a problem for both of us.”

“You’re on.” Alice grinned. Amazingly, Ash still wasn’t sick of her or scared away by herchaotic little life.

Ash beamed her wonky smile and closed the pizza box, stacking it on top of the other empty one. “And we have leftovers!”

Alice laughed. “I should think so. You bought enough to feed the entire street.”

“You can’t beat a slice of cold pizza for breakfast! I always buy extra for that exact purpose. Right, I’ll get these tidied up. Do you want a cuppa?”

“My bladder won’t thank me later, but yeah, I’d love one.” Alice shuffled to get up. “You’re my guest though, I should?—”

Ash held out a hand. “No, I insist. Patient trumps guest.”

Alice sniffed out a laugh. “For the last time, you’re off duty, and I’m not your patient.”

Ash raised an eyebrow. “Just shut up and let me take care of you, alright?”

Alice grinned and settled back into her nest of cushions.

“And call your sister. Or text her, or whatever. You said to remind you.”

Ash moved into the kitchen and Alice pulled out her phone. A quick call was easier than trying to text with her left hand. She scrolled to Maggie in her contacts and hit the call button, for once hoping for voicemail. Maggie picked up after two rings.

“Darling sister! How are the achy muscles? Or should I refrain from rubbing the —I told you so —salt in the wounds?”

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that, actually. I’m still a bit sore, but achy muscles aren’t a patch on my broken wrist and bruised knee.”

“Come again?”

“Er, yeah… so, I had a bit of an accident earlier. Long story short, I fell out of the bath. I’m fine, just a bit broken, I guess.”

“Oh Al, why didn’t you call me?”

“Well, Fran was here?—”

“Oh, bloody hell, Alice?—”

“She just showed up, Mags. It wasn’t planned and she’s long since gone. That’s a whole different story for another time.” Alice glanced over at Ash as she moved around in the kitchenette like it was her own.

“Do you need me to come over? Markus is at a client function tonight anyway, so I can stay if you want.”