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April smiles as we watch her walk away.

She turns to me, and I’m surprised to see a grin bunching up her cheeks. “It’s okay, you’re safe,” she says. “I didn’t tell her I’m currently living in your apartment.”

I groan at her words, pinching the bridge of my nose to stem the headache that is threatening to hit. I know my mother, and I thought she was looking at April with far too much interest.

“Quite the matchmaker,” she laughs, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “Spent a lot of this evening trying to sell me your virtues.”

I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose harder.

“Please ignore everything she said,” I say.

What was my mother thinking!

“Are you sure? The things she was saying. Well, they were very flattering.”

I do a double-take. April’s laughter fills the air, and it does strange things to my chest. An unfamiliar warmth only she seems to ignite spreads out.

Unsure how to reply, I step forward.

“Are you ready to go?”

For the first time, finding myself… speechless. But also unsure if I want to listen to any more of my mother’spluspoints.

Scarlett and Samuel are deep in conversation when we finally approach them to say goodbye. I’m surprised to see Daniel, his partner, by his side. He looks more relaxed, they both do. They shake hands with Scarlett as we arrive before turning to us. He comes forward and kisses April’s cheek.

“Well done, baby girl,” he says, giving her a hug. I watch in anticipation as Daniel steps up and holds out his hand.

“Well done, April. I want to apologise for being such an asshole the other week.” He looks at the floor. “I just…”

I’m as shocked as he is when April steps up and hugs him. He freezes for a second before relaxing into her hug, his arms coming up and around her.

“Thank you for coming this evening. I appreciate your support,” she says, brushing over previous events.

“Thank you,” Dan says quietly, standing there awkwardly until Samuel wraps an arm around his shoulder, giving him a squeeze. Dan looks up at him, an unspoken message passing between them.

“Come on. It’s time to leave these good people and head home,” Samuel says before wishing us all a pleasant evening.

My eyes follow them, and I watch Dan say something to Samuel, which has him taking his hand and bringing it to his lips. They’re working on their issues. Seeing them together, I hope they sort it out.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Scarlett says to April. She pulls her in for a hug, bringing my attention back to the two women.

What is it with all the touchy-feely?

April seems to be happy to hug everyone but me, leaving a burning sensation in my chest.

“See you tomorrow,” April says, returning the hug.

“What’s happening tomorrow?” I ask.

Scarlett turns and laughs. “Nothing that concerns you.”

She winks at April before making her way to the exit.

April looks at my face and grins before taking pity on me. “Scarlett wants to speak to me about maternity cover for one of her dance instructors.”

I tip my head in acknowledgement before we make our way out of the building. The caretaker enters to lock up.

“Thank you,” April says to the man as we pass.