‘Oh, Joe, you idiot. You could have saved us both so much aggro if you’d just told me. Been honest with me. And is it over, with Jake?’

‘I thought it was, but I couldn’t get him out of my head. We’ve met up again a couple of times recently. He’s been staying in Norwich, on a work thing, and he’s been over to my place once or twice. I think there might still be a chance, you know. Because it’s still there, Prue. The spark …’

Prue’s mind flickered to Simon and, yes, she did know.

‘Then get out of this hospital and go get him! It doesn’t matter what your dad thinks, or your brother, or me. If you love this guy, you have to tell him. You’ve got a lot of friends who care. And a dad who loves you, even if you’re both too stubborn to sort out your petty differences.’

‘So, you’re not heartbroken then? About us? Or there not being an us?’

‘Honestly? No. I think we both have a great future to look forward to, but separately, eh? We were brilliant as mates, just not so hot at pretending to be anything else.’

‘Hello?’

They both turned towards the door and Prue felt her pulse speed up a notch just at the sound of the voice. Simon! As if just thinking about him had conjured him up.

‘Is it all right to come in? The nurse says I can only have five minutes. Visiting’s over, apparently.’

‘Of course.’

‘I’ll leave you to it.’ Joe stood up, looking awkward.

‘Thanks for coming, Joe. I love you, you do know that?’

He came closer to the bed and leant down to kiss her goodbye. ‘Love you too.’

‘Simon, this is Joe, one of my oldest and dearest friends. And Joe, this is Simon, my …’

‘Boyfriend?’ Simon said, holding out his hand to shake Joe’s and looking at Prue inquisitively. ‘If she’ll have me, that is.’

Oh, I’ll have you, all right, Prue thought, gazing at Simon as those wonderfully unfamiliar butterflies flipped around in her tummy again, nineteen to the dozen. Just as soon as I’m out of this hospital bed, I’m definitely going to have you …

Chapter 38

MADI

When Prue’s parents arrived, they both looked shattered.

‘Oh, Faith, I am so sorry,’ Madi said, pulling her friend in for a hug as Stuart dumped their hastily packed overnight bag on the floor and sank into a chair.

‘She looks so pale, Madi, but she’s going to be okay. No lasting damage, brain-wise anyway, although the burns might leave some superficial scars. She did wake up a couple of times, briefly, so we’ve spoken to her, which puts my mind at rest no end. The police have been too, but she doesn’t remember much about what happened. She just needs time now, and plenty of sleep. As do I! We’ve left Joe with her. Poor boy drove straight up when he heard. He wanted to hang around as long as they’d let him, but I don’t suppose she’ll even know he’s there. He was talking about a B&B if he didn’t get to talk to her tonight, so he can see her again tomorrow. He’s a good lad.’