“I’m not. I’m still a teenager, with all the associated insecurities. I’m always comparing myself to other people. I think I’m not clever enough, or funny enough, or thin enough. Do people even like me? Do I even like myself? Most days I feel as if someone threw my emotions into a blender. I’m not sure of anything at all, except that it’s okay for sex to be fun. But you, Joanna—” Ashley smiled “—you are serene and dignified in the most trying of situations. You’ve never thrown a rotten egg at a reporter, or sworn at a photographer.”

“Yet.”

“You are always in control, and...” She shrugged and waved a hand toward Joanna. “Look at you! You’re gorgeous. Your skin, your hair—I mean, talk about serious hair goals. Basically Joanna, you are the boss.”

“I’m the boss?”

“You are. Every morning when I look in the mirror I tell myself, Be more Joanna.” Ashley hugged her. “I’m going now. And whatever happens, I hope you have fun.”

Fun? Caution had been her priority for a long time. But maybe she needed to throw that away, along with all the other elements of her life that were linked with Cliff.

She gave Ashley a ride to Mel’s house and was back at Otter’s Nest in plenty of time to shower and change.

She told herself she wasn’t nervous, but she changed her dress three times. She blamed Ashley for persuading her to buy new clothes and extend her color scheme. Now she had a choice and she was struggling with it. Why hadn’t she asked Ashley’s advice?

On the other hand it was a bit sad that a woman of forty didn’t have the confidence to pick something to wear.

Pull yourself together, Joanna.

She glanced at the clothes again.

Definitely not the blue. It was too showy for a casual supper on the terrace with a friend. Friend? Ex-lover?

She stared at the clothes and in the end selected a white sundress that looked cool, summery and appropriate for the weather.

She was sliding a pair of silver hoops into her ears when the buzzer sounded.

She pressed the button to open the gates and walked to the front door, her dress feeling light and cool against her bare legs.

It was just dinner.

She opened the door and felt her heart jump in her chest, not just because of the smile or the way he was looking at her, but because he was holding flowers.

She hadn’t expected him to bring flowers. And not any flowers. Seaside daisies. Her favorite.

Her knees shook a little. She lifted her gaze to his face. “You didn’t have to—”

“My mother would have something to say to me if I didn’t take flowers and wine when I’ve been invited to dinner.”