‘Yes, I wonder what happened to the residents,’ said Michael.

‘And if any of them had sons who were away in the war?’ I added.

‘War is a filthy business,’ said Stuart as he turned away from the photos. ‘So many wasted lives.’

‘For those left behind too,’ I said. ‘The families, friends, fiancées waiting for their men to return.’ I glanced from Michael to Stuart to see if the place, the conversation was triggering anything, but neither looked particularly affected. Stuart knew the story about Grace and Billy and I was about to point out the photograph that showed the house where Billy lived.

‘Hey, come on you two,’ said Michael before I had a chance, ‘we’re at a wedding. Let’s talk about something more cheerful, shall we?’

‘Of course,’ said Stuart. ‘Now, Bea, can I get you another drink?’

‘It’s OK,’ said Michael. ‘I can do that.’

Part of me wanted to laugh again. Stuart being attentive, Michael being possessive, all I needed now was for Jon to jump out of a cake and my strange love life would be complete.

46

Hmm, seems I have competition. What I need is something to demonstrate that I mean to make her life better, both our lives richer through shared experiences. Recent events have made me realize that you have to make your memories, and I want to make mine with Bea. If this works out, there are so many places I want to take her, things I want to do with her, experiences to share. That’s it. An experience. Now that might be an idea instead of gifts or flowers. Something to hint at a future together. Not just idle talk, daydreaming. I’ll make it real and send tickets for two to Venice or Paris. The opera in Verona. Does Bea even like opera? Or an invite to dinner somewhere fabulous? Yes, that’s more like it. We could have the time of our lives. But where? And when?

47

‘Three dates?’ asked Heather as we sat having coffee at the counter of the shop.

‘Three. I know, I’m a wanton woman.’

‘Good for you. So, Jon, Michael and who’s the third?’

‘Stuart.’

‘Stuart Stuart? But he’s married.’

‘Was. They’ve separated and are getting a divorce, according to his wife.’

‘Wow. How do you feel about that?’

‘I like him a lot but never let myself consider being with him as a possibility.’

‘So you do like him? I’d always suspected as much. How long?’

‘Ever since I met him.’

Heather rolled her eyes. ‘Since you met him? That’s ages. You are a dark horse, Bea. Why did you never say anything?’

‘Because he was out of bounds, so nothing to say. Pointless. Like fancying the Pope or some movie star, just wasn’t going to happen.’

‘Guess we add him to the list then.’

‘We do. I already have actually.’

‘Any others?’

‘He’s the only one.’