And with that, Meagan tipsily trotted over to Chance.

‘Yipppeee!’ said Simi applauding.

Jemima, a helpless bystander, witnessed the scene unfold like a car skidding across black ice. Meagan approached Chance effortlessly striking up a conversation. Jemima cringed as he looked over, his eyes piercing her, his expression dejected. Finally, after an epoch, Chance’s gaze shifted to Simi. He waved politely to her but the moment his eye caught Jemima, his smile collapsed. Jemima’s heart plummeted – this was unbearable.

‘I think he has a girlfriend,’ Jemima said, turning to Simi.

‘Married, single. Which is it, Jem? You must be thinking of someone else. Besides, he doesn’t look the cheating type,’ Simi said.

‘And you can tell?’ Jemima hissed in quiet desperation.

Simi glared at Jemima who recoiled. That was an awful thing to say and she knew it.

‘What I meant was… was…’ she stammered.

Simi straightened her dress, hiding her hurt.

‘If he had a special someone, don’t you think she’d be here?’ said Simi.

Jemima went to speak but the words got trapped in her throat as Meagan brought Chance over for an introduction.

‘There was a woman. Red hair. Angry looking. They kissed!’ Jemima gabbled but it didn’t matter.

Simi wasn’t listening. Her eyes were on Chance and as he approached, she let out a tiny squeal. Jemima had no choice. She had to disappear. She raced to concoct an excuse. Meagan and Chance were feet away but she was still tethered down.

‘Jeeeeeeeeeeeeehmmmm!’

Jemima span on her heels as Eve advanced, open armed, a tall champagne flute in one hand and vape pen in the other.

‘Daaaaaahling!’ said Eve as she air-kissed Jemima four times.

Jemima had never been so relieved and delighted to see Eve in her life.

‘Sorry. Gotta go,’ Jemima said to Simi as she peeled away, thanking the universe for its impeccable timing.

‘My dear girl, I cannot tell you how happy the team are with your final draft,’ said Eve raising her champagne glass to Jemima.

Jemima beamed. These were words she never thought she’d hear but had longed to for months. She wanted to cry.

‘Well? Don’t leave me hanging,’ laughed Eve.

‘Sorry!’ Jemima effused, clinking glasses.

‘Beverly has some guffaw-out-loud lines and that whole stalker backstory, maaaaasterstroke,’ said Eve puffing out a cloud of strawberry-scented mist.

Jemima’s eyes darted over to Meagan and Simi who were still within hearing distance. She had yet to formulate a plan for her confession but the girls overhearing like this was not an option.

‘And that whole married-man history and the life plan,’ said Eve. ‘She’s such a loon but I loooove Beverly. Genius, Jem. Genius.’

‘Wow, thanks Eve,’ said Jemima, trying to walk her away from the others.

This was high praise, but also high risk, discussing the book with Simi and Meagan so close by.

‘This decor, huh? It’s amazing,’ Jemima said, changing the subject.

‘You likey?’ said Eve proudly.

‘I love it. The flowers and cherubs. Very… Grecian,’ said Jemima as she peered over at Simi and Chance who were deep in conversation.