“I have no idea, and I’m not asking. She asked if she could bring him tonight, and I got him a ticket. That’s the end of my interference. Although, I did overhear them talking about a possible trip to Australia. Brian’s daughter is there.”

Nicole studied them for a moment. “Do you think they’re romantically involved?”

“I don’t think so. I think it really is friendship. And that’s what my mother wants.”

“I can understand that.” Nicole leaned her head against Milly’s shoulder. “Friendship is important. Possibly the most important thing of all, don’t you think?”

Milly felt her throat thicken. “I don’t know about that.” Her voice was husky. “I mean, sex is pretty important.”

“True.”

“And talking of sex, how is it going with Joel?”

“You’re getting ahead of yourself. My situation is a little bit complicated, if you remember. But I admit I like him.” Nicole sighed. “I like him so much. He’s brilliant in every way, which is why I’m taking it slowly. I thought I might rent a place nearby while I look for somewhere permanent, but he suggested I stay with him for now. Not make any quick decisions.”

Milly decided that Joel was possibly an even better person than she’d always thought. “That’s good. He’s your built-in security.”

“Yes. But it’s more than that. The scary thing is that he seems to really know me and understand me.”

“Why is that scary?”

“Because I haven’t been me for a long time. I’ve spent most of my life not being me.”

Milly was one of the few people who was able to understand the truth in that statement. “Then, this should be a refreshing change.”

They both watched as Joel brought Connie and Nanna Peg another drink.

“I like being with him. I’m terrified of messing it up,” Nicole said, “the way I have messed up every other relationship I’ve ever had.”

“You’re not going to mess it up.”

Nicole turned to look at her. “How can you be so sure?”

That was easy to answer. “Because this isn’t like any other relationship you’ve ever had.”

Nicole stared at her for a long moment and then smiled. “That’s true. It isn’t.”

They were both silent for a moment, watching the crowd, enjoying each other’s company.

And then Nicole tightened her hold on Milly. “If you could have three wishes—”

“That’s easy. I only need one.” Milly smiled as Zoe sprinted across the grass to Connie and Nanna Peg, the flowers that had been carefully wound into her hair now trailing down by her shoulders. “I would wish that for five minutes life could stay as it is right now. No changes. No challenges. Nothing traumatic to deal with.”