Sarah suddenly stopped laughing. George had declared his love again, but this time it felt different. She no longer saw his scars, and realised she could only see the wonderful man who was her best friend, one who had never let her down. It was then that Sarah realised that her feelings had changed and she began to wonder if she loved him too. Confused, she jumped to her feet and ran from the room to dash up to her bedroom, wanting time alone to sort out her muddled mind.

Could she have fallen in love with George without noticing? That would explain the jealousy she’d experienced towards Julie. Suddenly, her stomach flipped, and she felt the familiar butterflies she’d had when she’d met Roger.

She heard George call to her, ‘Sarah, what’s wrong?’

She couldn’t answer him, and closed the bedroom door before throwing herself onto her bed. Was it possible? Had she really fallen in love with George Neerly?

The following day, George was still kicking himself. Fancy telling Sarah again that he loved her! He hadn’t meant to say it – it had just slipped out. He hadn’t seen her that morning, and when he arrived home from work there was no sign of her. She was keeping out of his way, but she wouldn’t be able to avoid him forever.

When he heard the front door open, he fixed a smile on his face, determined to somehow lighten the atmosphere, but it was his mother who walked into the room.

‘What are you doing here?’ he asked.

‘Well, that’s a fine way to greet your mother.’

‘Sorry, Mum. It’s nice to see you and now that the shop’s been sold I expect you’ve come to tell me that you’re off on your travels?’

‘No, that’s not it. I want you to meet me tomorrow at the back of the shoe shop on the main road, the one that shut down.’

‘What for?’

‘I’ve got a surprise for you.’

‘What sort of surprise?’

‘I can’t tell you. I’ve been sworn to secrecy. Do you know how to get around the back?’

‘Yes,’ George replied with a furrowed brow.

‘OK, then just make sure you’re there first thing in the morning. I’m so excited so I’m going to shoot off now before I let the cat out of the bag.’

George was left with his mind whirling. It seemed like a very strange request.

He sat in his armchair and racked his brains, but he couldn’t think of a single reason why his mother would want to meet him by the shoe shop. He heaved a sigh, but then the door opened again and Sarah walked in. He tensed, but she smiled at him, saying pleasantly, ‘Hello, George.’

‘Hello, Sarah. I’ve just had the strangest visit from my mother.’