“Are you sure you want to hear it?” He pulled a face. “This is a big one. It could possibly end our friendship.”

Our friendship.

It was comforting to think of it that way and to know that he was thinking it too. When she’d called him in desperation she’d felt completely alone in the world, but now she didn’t.

“If the fact that I ruined your shirt didn’t end our friendship, then I’m sure it will survive whatever it is you need to tell me.”

“Let’s see.” He took a deep breath. “I don’t particularly enjoy going to the movies. I’ve taken my nieces to a few animated films, but generally I prefer spending my time outdoors or reading a good book. I’m not very familiar with your work.” He cleared his throat. “I think I’ve seen one of your movies.”

He’d seen just one of her movies.

He was watching her, waiting. “You’re smiling. Why are you smiling? Say something.”

“You think I’m ugly, and you don’t like my movies.”

He frowned. “I didn’t exactly say you were ugly. And I didn’t say I don’t like your movies. I don’t really like any movies. It’s not personal. You need to pay closer attention, Wendy.”

She grabbed the tissue he’d given her and blew her nose. “If you don’t like movies, then obviously we can never be friends.”

“I was afraid of that.”

“Which is a pity because I’m a bit low on friends at the moment. Always, in fact.” The reality of her situation hit again. “I’ve been a terrible friend to Milly, and she is never going to forgive me.”

“Okay, enough self-pity.” He stood up. “If you’re not going back to sleep, then go and take a hot shower and get dressed, and I’ll make you some breakfast. Then we’ll talk and work out a plan together.”

“Thanks, but I’m not hungry.” She glanced around her. “Where’s my phone?”

“I confiscated it because you kept wanting to message Milly, and I thought maybe you both needed time.”

“Time isn’t going to fix this.”

He paused by the door, sympathy in his eyes. “When things went wrong for my sister, she felt the same way. Her life was shattered, and she couldn’t see how it would ever be right again. But you’ll do what she did and make it right, piece by piece. And maybe your life won’t end up looking the same as it used to, but there’s a good chance it might even look better.”

She didn’t say that without Milly’s friendship there was no way her life could be better.

“Did your sister ruin your shirt too?”

He smiled. “Take that shower, Wendy. I’ll be in the kitchen when you’re ready.”