Chance nodded.

‘She’s… amazing,’ said Jemima soaking in Chance’s imagining of her leading lady.

This was the first time she had ever seen Beverly’s face. Her book covers had always been abstract images probably created by some marketing algorithm but looking at this drawing was like looking into a mirror – but one that reflected the past. Chance placed a box of matches in her hand as Jemima stroked Beverly’s face, feeling a rush of deep love and loss all at once. Maybe this was premature. There might be one last book she could squeeze out of Beverly. Eve for one, would be thrilled. But as Jemima looked at the face on the lantern, she knew this was the end of her journey with Beverly, not the beginning. It was time for a new adventure.

Jemima struck a match, its flame sending dancing shadows across the garden. She hovered it on the lantern’s wick. Within seconds Beverly had floated out of Chance’s hands and up into the night sky.

‘Bye,’ Jemima said as she watched her drift higher and higher.

She turned to Chance, snuggling close.

‘Did you make a wish?’ he asked, kissing her forehead.

As the lantern disappeared across London, she looked up at him and smiled. ‘I don’t need to.’

Epilogue

The girls

Jemima surveyed the beer garden, eyeing up the table of guys ahead of them.

‘What about the one in the navy top with the cute dreads?’ Jemima said turning to Simi.

‘There’s already a special new someone in my life… Ellen,’ said Simi sipping her prosecco.

‘Finally, you’re sampling some lady lurve,’ said Meagan raising her glass.

Jemima tutted. ‘It’s her therapist, you wally.’

‘You don’t know what you’re missing.’ Meagan shrugged with a grin.

As the sun set on the warm May day, the girls sat, side by side on their wooden bench observing the early evening drinkers. Simi slipped her arm through Meagan’s and reached for Jemima’s hand as they shared a knowing smile.

Meagan snuggled close, leaning on Simi, ‘What about the tall one in the paisley shirt?’

Simi giggled. ‘Honestly. I’m looking forward to being on my own.’

‘Good. That was a test,’ Meagan laughed. ‘Every now and then I like to see.’

‘Well it’s been two months since the game and I haven’t cracked yet. Anyway, you shouldn’t be worrying about me. We should be talking about your date – with one Todd Paxton,’ Simi said as she and Jemima fluttered imaginary fans like Elizabethan courtiers.

‘Last name terms at last. Must be serious,’ Jemima simpered.

‘Well, now my office is finished, I needed a new challenge,’ Meagan winked.

The girls laughed knowing that she and Todd would be a challenge – for each other. At least now Meagan had abandoned her ‘plan’, her love life was an open road rather than electrified rails that could not be deviated from.

‘And how are things with Chancellor?’ said Meagan making a meal of saying his full name.

Jemima’s cheeks flushed at the mention of him. From their first date until now, it had been – amazing. It wasn’t easy but Jemima had pushed through old habits and in doing so, allowed something new to emerge, for one, the feeling of being on the same team.