Frazer’s mouth dropped open. Her brain clicked over, and she had to shut her eyes for a few seconds to gather her strength.

“Uh…Frazer? You okay?”

Blowing out a slow breath, Frazer finally asked, “Are you by any chance looking for a job?”

Cora’s eyes widened. “No. She wouldn’t.”

Pulling her phone out of her bag, Frazer raised her eyebrows as she dropped into a chair next to Cora. “Wouldn’t she?”

Apparently, Cora couldn’t say anything to that. In less than thirty seconds, Frazer had Tia on the phone, the device held between them, the speaker on so they could both hear.

“Frazer! So nice to hear from you, how—”

“Tia, cut the crap.” Frazer was glaring at her phone.

“I’m guessing you’re not about to join me for that coffee, Tia.” Cora said dryly, leaning closer to the phone.

Her hair fell forward and brushed Frazer’s hand. It smelt different, nicer. Fruitier. Not that Frazer was smelling Cora’s hair. That would be creepy.

“Oh, you know what? Something’s come up?” Tia’s mirth was practically palpable. “Though, you know, I think Frazer’s there to do an interview and I heard you were looking for a job?”

Before either of them could say anything, the call disconnected and they were left staring disbelievingly at the phone.

“She’s an evil genius.” Cora said.

“I genuinely feel bad for her husband.” Frazer jammed her phone away and sighed. “Sorry to waste your time.”

She started to stand up, but was pulled back down with a thump by Cora’s hand. “Aren’t you here to do an interview?”

“Are you really looking for a job?”

Cora’s fingers left Frazer’s hand, and Frazer had to resist the urge to rub at the sensation she left behind.

“I am,” Cora said. “And you came to do an interview…”

This was her opportunity to leave. Frazer could stand up and go again. It would be so easy. Throw herself into her friends, her sister, her clinic, swimming.

And go home alone to her aquarium.

But Cora had really been incredible with the programme.

They’d made a great team.

Frazer crossed her legs, leaned back into her chair, and examined Cora, who stared right back at her, gaze unwavering. It made Frazer ache inside. “Alright.” Frazer said. “Where have you been the last five weeks?”

“Indonesia.”

Not what she’d been expecting. “A five-week holiday?”

“A volunteer programme.” Cora countered.

“Oh.”

And Frazer went silent, because nothing in her repertoire could prepare her for this situation.

“So,” Cora prompted, “tell me about the position.”

No. She didn’t deserve to know. Which was catty and unfair and a stupid thought. “I need a social worker.”

“I happen to know one of those.”

Frazer chuckled, despite herself. “Are they good?”

“The best.”