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Geeta bounced her knee below the reception desk. Unlike her.

“Morning, Alec,” she called out, when he arrived as the first solicitor through the front door.

“Ah, Geeta,” he paused a moment, smoothing his thinning hair forward.

For a split second, she wondered if he'd lecture her about the inappropriateness of sleeping with eminent barristers. A night’s sleep had not calmed her nerves about this.

“Could I get you a pastry from the bakery?” he asked. “I’m doing a bagel run in a minute.”

“Oh.” She laughed. “No, thank you.”

And he smiled and moved on through the building and up the stairs.

She bounced her knee again. Then succumbed to a blush, then hot flushed when she thought about Kate finding them covered in ice cream. Nyargh. She hid her face in her hands, imagining Kate telling Olivia. Then had palpitations for good measure.

“I am not cut out for this,” she murmured to herself, and straightened pens, keyboard and phone on the desk.

“Not cut out for what?” came a voice right in front of her.

“Oh, my god.” She clutched her chest and coughed a nervous laugh. “Olivia.”

Her girl stood quietly on the other side of the partition.

Geeta checked everything about her daughter. Standing upright, elegant as ever. Summer black dress, sleeveless. Expression, neutral. No tension wound in her stance. Although Olivia expertly hid anxiety, Geeta knew when she tied knots inside.

Olivia stood regarding her, without even raising an eyebrow. Perhaps Kate hadn’t said anything like she promised.

A tilt of the head, though.

“Are you alright?” Olivia asked, with the gentlest suggestion of a smile.

“Of course! You gave me a surprise, that was all.”

Hopefully, that was all.

“Good,” Olivia said with a slight nod. Then she put down her briefcase and sauntered around the partition.

“Oh,” Geeta said in surprise.

Olivia gave her one of her slightly formal cuddles, so gorgeous it made Geeta want to cry. She clasped the arm around tighter, because it was lovely, and she felt doubly guilty. First, leaving Sumit. And now, what would Olivia think of Geeta seeing her idol? Her heart sank. Olivia probably considered her beneath mighty Nicola Albright.

“Did you have a good weekend?” Olivia murmured.

Those palpitations.

“Yes.” She let out a breath she’d held far too long. “You know. Bit of swimming and relaxing with an ice cream by the river. Sleeping. Things like that.”

How innocent it sounded.

“Good.” Her daughter smiled as she stood up. “I’ll catch up later.”

And Olivia fluidly plucked her briefcase from the floor, sauntered into the building while Geeta watched her disappear up the stairs.

So, Nicola was right, Kate could keep a secret. Geeta took a deep, deep breath and slowly let it out. Then leapt out of her skin when, “Good morning,” rumbled from behind her.

She spun around in her chair and clutched her chest.

“Liz,” she gasped.

“Morning.” Liz chuckled. “I didn’t mean to scare you, although...” She pulled up a seat. “I have a large task I need help with.”

Honestly, work was a welcome distraction from her thoughts right now.

“Of course.” Geeta smiled. “What do you need?”

“Aaah,” Liz sighed. “I love your attitude. You’re so easy to work with.” Liz gazed at Geeta over her glasses then, looking more serious, took them off. “Highly competent and skilled too,” the office manager added.

Geeta waved away the compliment.

“No, no, no.” Liz waggled her finger. “Don't dismiss it. I appreciate you working here.”

She drew up closer.

“See, when your daughter annoyingly voted with Hugo to hold our company event last minute. And after promising me we’d have a break too! Olivia dismissed my concerns and said, ‘Don’t worry, Mum will do it.’”

Liz folded her arms and grinned.

Geeta frowned, confused.

“I thought she was being presumptuous. Letting mum do all the work.” Liz waved her arm in dismissal. “And I told her there’s a lot involved in running an event. Common sense, social skills and financial. But Olivia raised her eyebrow, and said, ‘Mum can handle that. She can do anything’.”

Geeta laughed at Liz’s excellent impression of Olivia’s crisp voice.

“That’s nice to hear.”

It hadn’t seemed a big deal to Geeta. She was used to handling all kinds of jobs. But was she taking herself and experience for granted, like others did? All except for her opinionated girl, with sky-high standards, apparently.

Guilt pinched again at avoiding time with Olivia, uncomfortable at splitting with Olivia’s father, then wanting to date, and worse now that she saw Nicola.

“That’s...”

Incredibly complimentary from her girl. Actually, it made her choke.

“Surprising,” she said at last. “I didn’t know Olivia thought highly of my skills.”

Not her Oxford graduate daughter who’d sought Sumit’s approbation as a teen, then Nicola’s as an adult.

“Of course she does!” Liz rumbled. “I see the same with my niblings and sister. I get to be cool Auntie Liz.” She patted her chest. “While, as mum, my sister goes from being a god, to fallible tyrant, to useless, all in the same day! But she’s always their safe place. They don't know how lucky they are.”

They both laughed.

“I think Olivia realises,” Liz added, “that you’re one of those parents, and how lucky she is.”

“Thank you,” Geeta murmured.

Maybe Olivia appreciated that Geeta was there for her. Annoying, but there. But would she forgive her for wanting life after divorce? And if she ever found out about Nicola, would that be tolerable too?

***

“BTW, Olivia doesn’t seem to know about us,” Geeta tapped out a message to Nicola later.

Nicola stayed in London for the week with a High Court case, and for the first time in ages Geeta spent nights on her own. No delicious kisses and luscious exploration. Or dozing blissfully on a large, soft bosom. Or randomly chatting and laughing about everyday things, fun even when they bickered.

It unsettled her further.

Friday afternoon, and she checked her phone again. Still nothing from Nicola except the single reply of, “Good. I knew you could trust Kate.”

It was curt and to the point, with no smileys or kisses, and Geeta almost wondered if she’d annoyed her. But this was brusque efficient Nicola she had to remember. Just because they spent uninhibited nights together didn’t mean she’d be soft and effusive other times.

They didn’t usually message either, always bumping into each other, so maybe that’s why it felt alien. And Nicola would be busy. She knew this. Why was she worrying?

It was disconcerting though, how much Nicola removed herself from Geeta’s life this week. She’d become used to her presence at the end of the day, and to waking in her arms. Nicola’s absence left a hole that nagged at her, surprisingly big and powerful.

So, Geeta threw herself into her normal routine, even though a peculiar uncertainty took the place of guilt.

Late Friday afternoon, quick, short footsteps approached the reception desk. She looked up to find blonde curls, sparkling eyes, and trouble.

“Fancy a drink then?” Millie grinned, with hands knuckled on curving hips.

Geeta smiled and sat back in her chair. She had absolutely nothing to do this Friday evening.

“Why not. Is Charlotte coming too?”

“Yeah. I’m dragging her out for a couple of hours now she’s not feeling sick.”

“That’s good to hear. I baked these in case she still had nausea.” She reached into her bag under the desk and drew out a tub. “Ginger biscuits.”

“Oooo,” came from above. Charlotte loped down the stairs, with slower long strides and mahogany waves loose around her shoulders. “Did I hear someone say homemade biscuits?”

“You did.” Geeta handed them over. “For you.”

A smile bloomed and Charlotte leaned down, wavy hair tumbling. She tugged up the corner of the tub and peeked inside. “They smell delicious. Thank you.”

Millie gazed at Charlotte, mischief and adoration mixing in her expression. “Sweet treats for Sweet Cheeks.”

And Charlotte’s grin turned silly, with a pink face that glowed healthier than ever. It was like they spiralled upwards, each sending the other higher, floating away on each other’s admiration. Until a distinct ‘tut’ emanated from the direction of the staircase. Clipped footsteps approached and they all caught the eyeroll from Olivia, who sauntered closer.

“Whatcha, Olivia,” Millie said. An edge entered her London tones, although she still smiled from ear to ear. “I'm taking a pregnant lady and your mother to the pub. Do you fancy joining our wild night out so you can enjoy my company too?”

Geeta tried not to snort. She’d lay down her life for her daughter, without hesitation, but she saw why Millie and Olivia wound each other up.

“Of course, Millie.” Olivia raised her eyebrow. “I’d be delighted to share your company this Friday evening.”

Ah, the accent was crystal cut, and the tone desert dry. Touché Olivia. Geeta was proud.

***

They skirted Worcester College at the end of the road, towards the castle mound and Paradise Street. As they walked around the old stone tower, Millie took Charlotte’s arm and the pair giggled in conversation, Charlotte leaning down towards Millie and Millie bustling along with a sway of her hips. Olivia walked beside Geeta, elegant, detached and perfectly content in silence.

Geeta loved every single one of this tight trio of friends. Her daughter, Olivia, without bounds. Her daughter's best friend, Charlotte, also. Those two had a long-lasting friendship, even though Geeta hadn’t understood it at first.

Olivia, a blunt perfectionist and unforgiving of fools, seemed inexplicably drawn to accident-prone Charlotte. Over the years, Geeta had witnessed Olivia rile at crumbs from Charlotte that no-one else would have noticed, or watching the clock whenever they were due to meet. But she also spotted rare respect for her friend’s cleverness and honesty. And when others walked at Olivia’s attitude and high standards, Charlotte amiably kept coming back, clearly idolising Olivia. And Olivia would soften with relief, barely visible on the surface, but clear to Geeta.

Though different in many ways, they had similar values underneath and intuitively understood each other when others didn’t. And both were exceptionally loyal.

Charlotte had become closer to Geeta over time, in that space where Geeta was still a friend’s mother, but they also chatted like fond grownups or family.

And Millie? Geeta broke into a grin like she often did when thinking of the blonde bombshell. That lady inspired delight or infuriation in everyone, and Geeta had a big soft spot for her.

They arrived at the timber-framed Jolly Farmers, the ramshackle three-part building quiet early in the evening, with the sun shining outside. They grabbed a table in the snug around the corner from the front door and Geeta sat down, taking the place in.

It was odd. This was her home now, wasn’t it. It already felt different to when she’d cajoled Nicola inside. And how different Nicola was too. She caught her breath. It hadn’t all sunk in yet. The time with Nicola had been a fantasy holiday away from the rest of her life, and now she faced its impact.

The delicious and surprising encounter had refreshed and changed her. Brought the blood rushing to her head and to the tips of her fingers and toes again. But was it time to face reality and move on?

Her heart tripped.

How on earth would they do that? They were tied by their daughters and saw each other daily as neighbours. And Geeta had been so touched by her, she felt Nicola’s presence even when she wasn’t there. How could she move on as if nothing had happened?

Or... Did she seriously want to consider this? Was there more?

“I’m going to sneak a biscuit,” Charlotte said, and Geeta blinked from her reverie.

Charlotte bent down, pulled up a corner of the tub, and surreptitiously nibbled a piece.

Olivia peered at the crumbs on the table.

“No-one would ever know,” she said drily, wearing a soft smile rather than disapproval.

Look at these two. Life was never simple, was it. The two friends had complicated feelings in the past, but were happy with other people now, and their friendship seemed stronger than ever. They probably drove each other bonkers. Who didn’t drive Olivia bonkers? Well, Kate. Thank god.

Then there was Millie. Geeta didn’t know her story so well. She and Charlotte had a long, bumpy road here, but here was happier than she saw anyone.

And now Nicola. What did she even call what they were together?

Nicola's absence gnawed at her again, pulling at her stomach like she hungered for her in a way deeper than she’d anticipated. In the last week, she’d reached for her phone, tempted to call several times, then left it, not wanting to disturb the barrister and whatever she did when she stayed in London.

Her bed felt peculiarly empty. Not cold, as when she’d separated from Sumit, the cut clean and absence absolute. But like a ghost, as if she almost sensed Nicola, but when she stroked across the bed she wasn’t there, and Geeta wished her corporeal.

“I said, what would you like to drink?” Olivia asked. Clearly again.

“Oh. Sorry sweetheart. I keep getting distracted.”

“The change?”

Geeta laughed. “Yes, let’s with go with that.”

Rather than reeling from eye-wateringly good sex with Olivia’s mentor and Olivia’s best friend’s mother. Again, how had she walked into this situation? Well, she hadn’t walked. She’d been seduced, lured, and done exactly the same back to Nicola, in their compulsive exploration of each other.

“Mum?”

Oh god. She’d done it again.

“You’re as bad as me!” Charlotte beamed.

“Sorry. Erm...Surprise me!”

“Why on earth would I surprise you?” Olivia looked at her with utter incomprehension.

She gazed up affectionately at Olivia. “I know you hate surprises, but I like them. Ask the server for a suggestion.” Because Olivia tensed, even at the idea of springing novelty on someone else.

“Very well.” Olivia agreed with a nod.

Her daughter swept beautiful hair behind an ear, spun on her heel and left for the bar. Amazing still, how her tiny girl, who curled up on her knee, was that elegant grown woman.

“So,” Geeta said, turning to Millie and Charlotte, who sat opposite, “are you feeling much better?”

“Yes, thank god.” Charlotte deflated with relief.

“I felt better second trimester too.”

The morning sickness often disappeared, and bump wasn't large yet. And Charlotte looked well. Pregnancy showed in her tummy, with her shirt stretched over a small bump, as well as her blooming complexion and fuller face.

“We had the twenty-week scan,” Millie said, smile ecstatic. “And Bean is...Are we saying?”

“Yes,” Charlotte said, eyes wide. “Bean is looking super healthy and growing. Like a baby. An actual baby.” As if amazed by it.

The ordinary occurrence, experienced by billions, had felt huge and miraculous for her too.

“I meant,” Millie gazed at Charlotte fondly, “are we saying gender?”

“Oh, yes, I suppose.” Charlotte nodded, then eyebrows furrowed. “No penis was spotted,” she said in her RP accent. “That's all they can say.”

Geeta laughed affectionately at Charlotte’s mix of proper and goofy all rolled into one.

They both looked happier than ever, and more relaxed than when she’d last caught Millie. Often a bundle of bawdy energy, Millie had an edge earlier in the year. Maybe she worried about Charlotte. Maybe it was because Geeta had witnessed Nicola’s attitude, and they were preoccupied by that. But now they both beamed, and cheeks pinked, on a high of love and happiness.

She almost asked – And Nicola? Has she been OK about it? Except a peculiar mix of guilt stopped her, as if she pried, disloyal to her. She wanted to know out of concern for Charlotte, but also for her own curiosity, to understand the woman she slept with.

In some ways, Nicola wasn’t different from expected. That confidence ran right through her. If she was a stick of rock, it would say “I am fabulous” all the way through. But Geeta hadn’t anticipated other facets, and how different Nicola was with other people in other roles.

Geeta knew she did the same. Despite having a strong sense of self and her beliefs, she was never exactly the same with everyone. Although she’d love to say she parented her children equally, she didn’t. Their distinctive personalities shaped how she cared for them, both needing different things. But perhaps not to the extent that Nicola did, her role so formal compared with Geeta's. Did Nicola struggle with that?

“My mum...” Charlotte started, eyes flicking to Geeta's and away, clearly uncomfortable about Nicola still. “Mum’s been helping get things for Bean.”

“Good! I’m so pleased!” She leant forward and squeezed Charlotte's hand, genuinely relieved.

She appreciated Nicola’s perspective with her daughter better now, Nicola more supportive than she’d ever imagined. But did Charlotte understand that Nicola was there for her, even though issues clearly remained.

“She seems...happier about it,” Charlotte stumbled.

“More bloody pleasant, anyway,” Millie added.

“You know,” Charlotte’s eyebrows puzzled, “I think Mum's losing her edge.”

“Bollocks,” Millie replied.

Geeta laughed. “I have to agree with Millie.”

“Absolutely. That woman doesn’t miss a thing.” Millie tutted. “She’ll carve her own gravestone with her sharp tongue.”

“Millie!” Charlotte drew out. “Too harsh. She is my mum.”

“Well, she bloody annoyed me,” Millie said, then wrinkled her nose. “And I kind of mean it as a compliment.”

Geeta peered in the direction of the bar to check on Olivia, while Charlotte chatted with Millie. She didn’t catch what they said while she watched out for Olivia, who eventually sauntered towards them with a tray of drinks.

“You know,” Charlotte said. “I think she might be seeing someone.”

Oh god. She definitely caught that. She slowly turned her head back to the conversation.

“Who?” Olivia said, arriving at Geeta’s shoulder.

Bigger oh god.

“I don't know.” Charlotte stared at the table, missing the point of the question.

Olivia tutted. “ Who's seeing someone?” She clarified with an eyeroll.

“My mum!” Charlotte replied, still incredulous.

Well, this conversation needed to be nipped in the bud. Geeta stood, as if to simply help unload the glasses.

“So, what do we have here?” she said loudly. “Fizzy water for Charlotte. Beer for Millie.” She passed the drinks. “And what did you get me?” She gave Olivia an indulgent smile.

“A mocktail,” Olivia said handing her a highball. “A New York sour equivalent.”

“I’ve never had one. Thank you!”

She made a bigger deal of it than usual. If she dwelled long enough, maybe the conversation would move away from this very awkward subject.

“I hope the new experience is...” Olivia clearly struggled for the word.

“Exciting!” Geeta beamed.

And Olivia sat beside her with an eyeroll but a subtle smile too.

Millie crossed her arms and turned to Charlotte. “Why are you surprised your mum’s seeing someone?”

Oh. They were back on Nicola. Thanks for that Millie.

“Because...” Charlotte looked as if she’d swallowed a bug. “...because...”

“Your mum is a very attractive woman.”

The horror on Charlotte’s face. It would have been funny if the subject wasn't so naked-in-bed close to Geeta.

“What?” Millie grinned, clearly knowing what.

“My...?!” Charlotte stumbled incredulous over the words. “You can’t say that about my mother!”

“Why?! Am I meant to look at an older version of you and think bleurgh, hideous.”

Incomprehension. Vivid horror.

“Well, yes! Those are the rules,” Charlotte spluttered.

Millie threw her head back laughing, then dabbed a kiss on Charlotte’s appalled face. She slung an arm round Charlotte’s chair and tugged her closer.

“Actually, it’s difficult to believe you’re related sometimes. But she is an attractive woman.”

Still horror on Charlotte’s face.

Millie had a point though. It was hard to believe Charlotte and Nicola were related, with such different personalities shining through and blinding out any physical similarity.

“What do you reckon, Olivia?” Millie said with a naughty grin.

Olivia raised an elegant hand. “I do not want to speculate about Nicola’s private life.”

It was Millie’s turn to roll her eyes. “’Private life’?!” She imitated Olivia’s crisp voice. “Fuck’s sake, Olivia. The woman's gorgeous. Of course she's still having sex.”

“Euw!” burst out of Charlotte and Olivia at the same time.

Millie cackled and held her stomach.

Geeta stayed silent, but quietly shared amusement. Nothing revolted her kids as much as the idea of their parents sleeping together. Or others at the thought of a mature woman relishing sex.

It had been one of the most refreshing things about being with Nicola. No shame. No self-consciousness about her body. Just enjoying themselves in bed, with empathy and stunningly in tune. It invigorated and zapped her whole body alive again.

“Come on, Olivia,” Millie continued. "For a while, you were so far up her arse, I thought you fancied her.”

Oh my god, that was too much. This was fraught. Now she sympathised with Charlotte and Olivia. She glugged her drink to hide her reaction.

Olivia raised an eyebrow. “Did you know, Millie, it's entirely possible to admire someone without wanting to jump into bed with them.”

“Yes,” Millie replied. “And did you know, it’s possible to tell when someone is sexy, and comment on it, without jumping into bed with them too.”

Millie tilted her head.

Olivia raised another eyebrow.

So, those two were still at odds with each other. Such very different people.

“Don’t worry, Olivia.” Millie made a show of being bored. “I’m a good little bi.”

“For me,” Olivia continued, “Nicola has always been a respected colleague. More like a mentor when I was at college.”

Geeta breathed again. Thank god for Olivia’s compartmentalisation.

Millie’s eyes snapped to Geeta suddenly. “You’re quiet.” She quirked a lip. “You all right?”

“Tired.” Geeta shrugged. “Long week.”

Better than admitting she’d spent every night recently between Nicola Albright's thighs and she hadn’t caught up with sleep yet.

Millie gazed at her. Blinked once. Then twice. It was only a moment, but it didn’t take long for Millie Banks to draw conclusions and something clearly occurred to her.

“Have you noticed she cut her nails?” Millie turned back to Charlotte, raised her hand and fluttered her fingers.

“What does that mean?” Charlotte replied.

Oh, Geeta had an inkling what Millie was getting at. She wanted to cover her eyes. And her ears. Mainly not be here.

“That maybe...” Millie leant closer to Charlotte.

Here it came.

“...your mother's finally seen the sapphic light?”

“Millie!” Charlotte drew out in despair this time. “You can’t say that!”

Geeta stayed very, very quiet.

“What if she heard,” Charlotte whispered. “She’d be so offended.”

Millie shrugged, as if she’d enjoy offending Nicola.

“What about you?” Charlotte said.

And she looked straight at Geeta. Charlotte was clearly desperate to change the subject away from Nicola, but it shone a terrifying light directly at Geeta. If only she knew.

“Are you...” Charlotte started. “...thinking about dating or anything?”

Awkward. What the hell could she say?

“Well...”

Her face blazed. Sweat burst on her back. Could you die from hot flushes? She swept off her blazer, and from the corner of her eye she spotted Millie and Olivia share a meaningful moment.

“Shall I get you another drink?” Olivia asked.

“Fabulous idea for everyone,” Millie agreed. “Get another round in.”

What? When did Olivia agree with Millie so fluidly? And since when was Millie so enthusiastic about anything Olivia suggested? What was going on?

“But...” Charlotte wrinkled her nose, “we haven't finished this round yet.”

“My mother might need a cool drink for hot flushes?” Olivia said.

“Ooooh,” Charlotte smiled at her, and she nodded in understanding. “Sorry. I thought I’d missed something.”

Geeta wondered the same. She fanned herself, and said, “I’m fine thank you,” while praying they’d move on from the subject.

“You’re very naughty, Millie,” Charlotte said. “Like my mother would do anything as sensible as seeing a woman.”

The other two friends nodded and remained quiet. Maybe they tired of the subject. God, she hoped so. If Nicola came out to Charlotte one day, it should be handled with more sensitivity than speculation over a drink. They had a complicated history, before they muddied it with Geeta's involvement too.

What on earth had Geeta been thinking? She shook her head and sipped at her drink. Playing around with something as explosive as being involved with Nicola Albright. Maybe this week was a wakeup call for this unsuitable arrangement, with a woman who’d gone silent and distant anyway.

Across the table, Millie smiled at Charlotte and nodded, strangely thoughtful. “You’re right. A silly idea.”

Such a silly idea. What the hell had Geeta been doing.

But then Millie added. “Nicola’s probably seeing that awful Blake again anyway.”

Geeta paused the glass by her lips.

Oh.

The breath left her body. She hadn’t thought of that. That was a horrible suggestion.

“Blake?” sneaked out. She shouldn't have asked, and she wished she could take it back.

“He’s a dreadful, sleazy barrister,” Charlotte said, wrinkling up her nose. “Used to be in the same inn as Mum.”

“Right,” she tried to nod, while the name sent freezing fingers into her understanding. “I’ve seen him in the office.” The words felt strange in her mouth, with such different thoughts loud in her head.

“Ugh. I hope they’re not back together,” Charlotte said. “She’s in court with him all week.”

And the freezing fingers strangled her throat. Is that why Nicola went quiet this week? Other people to see?

Charlotte and Millie carried on talking, and all the time Geeta concentrated on not doubling over, because that hurt.

She covered her mouth and inhaled, reeling from it. What a horrible surprise. She hadn't felt the sharp jolt of jealousy in a long time, and she wasn’t ready for that.

She silently sat with it, aching. Not recovered from leaving a marriage, then jumping into whatever this was, with someone like Nicola. Ouch, ouch, ouch. She let it settle, the smart of it deepening into a bruise, and she shifted uncomfortable in her seat, sipping and sipping at her drink.

Stupid. Of course, Nicola had options. She’d always known that. People fell over themselves for her all the time. She’d seen Nicola cast this Blake aside, as if bored. And now Nicola did the same with her, not even bothering to call this week. Geeta suddenly felt very small and wanted to curl smaller.

Her teenage-sapphic heart was about to be stamped on. Her first rejection from a woman. And it was going to hurt like hell.

She couldn't do this in front of everyone, and she started to get up from her seat.

“No, something’s changed.” Charlotte shook her head. “The point is...she seems...” Charlotte looked most confused. “Like...Happy?”

Silence.

Millie and Olivia stared at each other, almost telepathically communicating. What had Geeta missed?

“Nicola gets pleasure from all kinds of things.” Millie shrugged. “Trampling opposing barristers. Humiliating lovers. Drowning puppies.” She waved an arm, as if they should move on.

It wasn't that long ago Geeta would have agreed. But now? Nicola was assured and formidable. But cruel? Was she about to see that side, with Nicola casting her off for her next fling?

“No.” Charlotte shook her head. “I mean she’s happy. Almost...” Charlotte struggled with the word, “content.”

Charlotte stared at them in turn, begging for understanding with her eyes. Neither Millie nor Olivia said a word.

“Guys,” Charlotte implored. “Mum’s singing again. She hasn’t done that for years. She came round, made me a cup of tea, and she was...singing to herself in the kitchen.”

Millie shuffled. “Was it ‘Call Me Cruella’?” she suggested, but without her usual conviction.

“Millie,” Charlotte drew out in frustration. “I haven’t seen her like that...not relaxed and happy...ever!”

Geeta stopped. Because that was the Nicola she knew, singing, happy, making drinks for her. She saw that version every single day.

Something had changed for Nicola, and Charlotte had seen it too. And, not to be arrogant about it, or to exaggerate her importance, but was that change because of them together?

The possibility rocked her deeper than anything.