Milly had a job to do, a child to care for, a life to live, and she had an A-list movie star hiding away in her home. It didn’t get much more complicated than that.

Was Nicole afraid to do another movie because of the adverse publicity? No, surely not. She was used to that.

She wanted to ask what this was all about really, what Nicole was doing here, but she was conscious of all the jobs stacking up waiting for her attention. She didn’t have time for a long conversation. Later, she thought. It would have to wait until later.

“What are you going to do all day? I’m worried you’ll be bored.”

“I never have time to myself. This is going to be a treat.”

They settled themselves at the table by the water and Nicole sampled a mouthful of her food.

“Oh—” she said and closed her eyes, lost in a dream state as she chewed “—this might be the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

“It’s just eggs and cheese.”

Nicole shook her head and opened her eyes. “No, it’s—” She sliced another piece with the edge of her fork. “I don’t know what you’ve done here, but you should open a restaurant.”

“When? In my spare time? Also, I’d just comfort-eat more than I do already, which wouldn’t be good.” But she was warmed by the compliment. And the biggest compliment was that Nicole had devoured every mouthful and was looking sadly at her empty plate as if she could have eaten exactly the same again had it been on offer.

“What did you do to that food? I feel a thousand times better. It’s like magic.”

“Good.” Milly put her fork down. “I told Zoe about you. I couldn’t see a way to avoid that.”

“It’s fine. I understand.”

“She won’t say anything.” She hoped to goodness that was true and that Zoe wasn’t currently huddled by the lockers with her friends telling them her new and shiny secret.

“You should tell Connie too. And Nanna Peg.” Nicole put her fork down. “Unless they’re shocked by my latest scandal, of course.” She sounded flippant, as if she didn’t care, but Milly knew she cared a lot. Nicole was desperate for approval. Desperate for a place in the sun.

“Nothing shocks them. And they love you, you know that.”

“Do they? Even though I’ve been a useless friend lately?”

Was she expecting Milly to deny it? Because that wasn’t happening.