Craning her neck, Lucy glanced behind them. “Shit, here we go again.” After what felt like forever but was only a matter of seconds, Lucy exhaled a breath, shoulders relaxing. “It’s okay, they’ve turned left, toward the carpark. At a guess, not only did Paula piss on our parade, but she’s ruined her day out as well.”

“Damn, and I thought I could turn scarlet,” Tim said, looking equal parts appalled and amused. “That woman’s angry scowl could give a vampire squid a run for its money.”

“Say what?” Lucy scrunched up her face.

“Another time.” Tim grabbed Jo’s hand. “You two need to talk. How about we take a rain check on the cable car until next time you visit. Because there will be a next time. You’ll get through this.” He spoke with such conviction, Kelly’s spirits lifted.

“Yes, we will.”

Jo launched herself at Kelly, wrapping her in a fierce embrace. “Love you, Sis.”

“Love you too, Jo-Jo.” Kelly stroked Jo’s long mousey brown hair. Lucy hadn’t been far off the mark when she’d quipped that Jo and Kelly looked alike. They had the same blue eyes as their dad and the same thick mop of hair as their mum.

With a final squeeze, Jo extricated herself from Kelly, turned to Lucy, and held out her arms. Lucy stepped into the embrace like a lifelong friend.

Watching them hug made Kelly tear up. She couldn’t recall Jo ever hugging one of her girlfriends, much less be anything more than cordial.

After bidding Tim and Jo farewell, Kelly’s smile faded. She took Lucy’s hands in both of hers. Her expression matched Kelly’s, anxious, but whereas Kelly’s hands were dry, Lucy’s were hot and clammy.

“Nerves getting the better of you?”

Lucy smiled, but it looked forced, painful even. She pulled her hands free and rubbed her palms together as if the friction would dry them out.

“It’s hot.” She looked away, and Kelly let it go.

In spite of being pissed off that their day had turned to shit, she was determined to stay positive for Lucy’s sake.

“Everything will work out. I’m a firm believer in the saying, ‘When one door closes another opens’.”

The twinkle in Lucy’s eyes made Kelly feel self-conscious. She wasn’t normally one for making sentimental declarations. But then again, her entire perception of what a relationship was all about had changed.

“Nice analogy, Kel.”

“Oh.” Kelly chuckled, finally understanding why Lucy looked amused. “I meant when a door figuratively closes, not literally.”

“I know.” Lucy fiddled with her shoulder bag. “I planned on moving out within a month or two anyway. I won’t miss all the social hob-knobbing.”

“See, you’re already finding positives. Now give me a genuine happy smile.” Kelly put a finger on each side of Lucy’s mouth and pulled her lips up.