The two of them exchanged a smile, and Milly had no idea what they were talking about, but she was relieved Nicole didn’t seem more stressed.

“I’ll make us coffee,” Joel said and headed to the kitchen.

Milly sat down next to Nicole. “I’m sorry this happened. We were trying so hard to hide you and protect you.”

Nicole gave a brief shake of her head. “It’s not your fault. We’ll figure it out. How is your mother doing?”

“Her ribs hurt, but I think she’s doing okay. Nanna Peg is staying with her today.”

The door opened again, and Joel paused, three brimming cups of coffee on a tray. “I had an idea.” He put the coffee down on the table. “I was thinking we could find a photo of Nicole at Heath-row and post it as a sighting. Throw them off the scent. Send them in another direction.”

“Not a bad idea.” Milly picked up one of the mugs and handed it to Nicole. “Or I could drive home innocently and look blank when they tell me they’re looking for you and say, Nicole who?”

Joel settled himself on the chair opposite them. “But someone must have followed us to know she was staying in the boathouse. So that probably won’t work.”

“We could just say nothing,” Milly said. “I don’t talk to them. They don’t know you’re here, so you just stay indoors. They’ll get bored.”

“I have a better idea.” Nicole finally spoke. “I use their presence to announce my retirement from acting. Or at least the fact that I’m taking a break.”

Milly looked at her. “So all those things you said at the hospital—”

“About moving here? Yes, I meant them.”

It seemed like such a huge step. “Are you sure you’re not rushing this decision? Shouldn’t you let the idea sit for a while in case you change your mind?”

“I won’t change my mind. I already emailed my agent.”

“Won’t she be upset?”

“Possibly, although I’m not exactly hot property at the moment.” Nicole didn’t seem at all stressed about that fact. “But it doesn’t really matter what she thinks. This is about me. What I want. What I need.”

Milly put her cup down. “But acting is all you’ve ever wanted to do. This was your dream.”

“Dreams can change.” Nicole exchanged a brief glance with Joel, and Milly wondered exactly what had happened between the two of them.

Something had, that much was obvious.

“What will you do?”