“No. And I am joking. I came back for me.” She put the glass down. “Because although I was tempted, very tempted, I’m not ready to take it further yet.”

“What?” Nicole’s shoulders slumped. “Why not?”

“Do you have any idea what a step forward tonight was for me? I went on a date. That is the first time I’ve dated anyone since Richard. It felt strange and a bit scary.”

“But he obviously put you at ease.”

“He was easy to talk to. A good listener. And—”

“And?” Nicole’s eyes lit up with anticipation, and Milly laughed.

“And he’s a very good kisser.”

“I knew it.” Nicole gave a sigh of satisfaction and grabbed a couple of mugs from the cupboard. “This calls for hot chocolate and a girly heart-to-heart in bed, like we used to.”

“I’ve just eaten a meal.”

“You’ll be fine. Hot chocolate is an essential part of a midnight confession session. Also it’s one of the few things I can make without consulting the internet.” Nicole prepared it, and together they carried the mugs up to Milly’s bedroom.

And as they curled up on Milly’s bed, talking about everything and nothing until the early hours, Milly felt truly happy for the first time in ages. It wasn’t just the kiss, or the delicious anticipation of her next meeting with Brendan, it was the knowledge that finally, after all the ups and downs and heartbreak, she had her best friend back. And if anything it felt as if they were even closer than before.

And no matter what happened in the future she was sure this time, absolutely positive, that nothing would ever come between them again.

Chapter 19Nicole

Nicole waited until the van appeared on the track and then sprinted toward it.

Joel pulled up, leaned across and opened the door for her. “I’ve never driven a getaway vehicle before. I might need some tips. Do you want to sit in the front or the back?”

If she was being sensible she’d probably hide away in the back, but she was tired of living her life that way.

“Front is fine.”

He waited while she settled herself and fastened her seat belt. “No one will recognize you, anyway. I see you’re a blonde today.”

She didn’t tell him that no matter what her disguise, someone usually recognized her. She didn’t want to burst the bubble. “Let’s go.”

He reversed the van in the turning space and set off down the track. “As a matter of interest, what made you decide to trust me?”

“Who said I trust you?”

“Ouch.” He looked so wounded that she smiled.

“The answer to your question is that Milly trusts you, and I trust Milly.”

“She’s a good person.”