Outside of the practice finances, Libby didn’t discuss money with Jess, because why spotlight the fact that these days she earned considerably more than her friend? She knew Jess had earned good money in Sydney and had enjoyed many of the things that city had offered, but it was an expensive town that didn’t facilitate saving. Although Jess’s living costs in the bay were much less, she’d taken maternity leave and she was still only working part time. Her moderate savings had taken a dent when she’d decided to have Leo on her own.

“Costa’s place is falling apart around me,” Jess said. “The water in the ceiling was the final straw. Even Nick says I should move. I know Sulli’s house is nothing to write home about, but at least the roof’s sound. The good thing is, the market’s finally falling so I’ve been crunching the numbers and I think I can do it. Just.”

Libby’s stomach sank at the bubble of excitement in Jess’s voice. She’d had no idea Jess was so close to pulling together a deposit, let alone such a large one, and she hated she was about to pop her joy. “The thing is, Nick’s not just thinking about buying. I’m sorry, but it’s a done deal. He and Sulli have agreed on a price.”

Silence oozed through the speakers long enough for Libby to wonder if she’d hit a cell phone dead zone. “Jess? You still there?”

“Yeah. I’m here.” The words dripped with disappointment.

Libby opened her mouth to say sorry again when a brilliant idea struck. “I know! Why don’t you and Will rent Sulli’s place? Settlement’s in June and that gives us time to paint and do any repairs. It would be amazing having you living next door.”

Again, silence lingered for a few beats. “Thing is, Lib, I don’t want to rent anymore.”

“But we’d be much better landlords than the Giannopoulos brothers.” Libby was determined to make Jess see this was a great idea. “Think how much fun we can have choosing colors and—”

“Before you go renting out your new investment property, you should probably discuss it with your husband.”

Libby snorted. “You’re hilarious. Like Nick’s going to object to having his best mate and my best friend next door. He’ll be thrilled to have tenants we trust.”

Leo squealed and Jess said, “I have to go. You call daycare and school and I’ll call Nick now about dinner.”

“Thanks. I hope he’s better company for you tonight than he’s been for me.”

“If he’s not, there’s always wine!”

Text message from Jess Dekic to Nick Pirelli Thursday 4:40 PM

Surprise! I’m cooking dinner for us tonight

Text message from Nick Pirelli to Jess Dekic Thursday 4:41 PM

No need. I’ve got dinner sorted

Text message from Jess Dekic to Nick Pirelli Thursday 4:42 PM

Liar! I’m standing in your kitchen right now looking inside your fridge. You and Libby really need to shop. There’s nothing here to eat although the bottle of Veuve is tempting