Due to the flat being shut up for the better part of the day the air was thick and humid.

Kelly plucked at her jeans clinging to her legs. “Make yourself at home.” She turned on the small fan on route to her room. “I’m just going to change into something more comfortable.”

The amused twinkle in Ashleigh’s eyes made Kelly chuckle.

Damn she liked this woman.

How on earth Ashleigh and Paula were so close was beyond Kelly, and not something she cared to dissect.

When Kelly returned to the living room, feeling much cooler wearing a pale blue mini-dress, she found Ashleigh staring at a portrait that held centre stage in the lounge and Kelly’s heart.

She handed an iced water to Ashleigh. “Here.”

Barely taking her eyes off the picture, Ashleigh took the proffered drink. “I recognize the faces. You and Nicole, right?”

“Yep.”

Although the picture had been taken years ago, there was no mistaking the teenage girls grinning from ear to ear.

“And the men?”

“Our fathers.”

Kelly stared at the image of her and Nicole, their dad standing behind them hands on their daughter’s shoulders, two gleaming milk tankers shining in the background.

“Not only did my dad work with Nicole’s father, they were great mates too. As you know, it’s how Nicole and I met.”

Remorse radiated in Ashleigh’s eyes. “I’m sorry I didn’t interject when Colette…”

“Stop.” Kelly held up a hand. “It wasn’t your battle. Colette was out of line and, if anything, Paula should’ve been offended that her P.A. was putting down her girlfriend. But, no, she just sat back as though it was totally acceptable.”

“You do realize Paula’s very insecure? She craves acceptance like a child craves the love of a parent. She’ll go to lengths to be the centre of attention.”

“I didn’t to begin with, but after a while it became more obvious.”

The day she’d strolled into the café and asked Kelly on a date she’d seemed like the most confident woman in the world. But over the last month or so the cracks in her armour had become more apparent, and unappealing. Kelly wasn’t the most secure person in the world, but she was a loyal friend and would never let anyone speak down to someone she cared about.

She had to give credit to Ashleigh for being there for Paula. “I’m glad she has a friend who can see the good in her.”

It was on the tip of Kelly’s tongue to ask Ashleigh if she was one of those people who took in stray friends like stray animals. Not only would it be inappropriate and offensive, but Kelly figured Ashleigh and Paula’s friendship went way deeper than she’d ever know, or understand.

Smiling, Ashleigh pointed at the picture. “Tell me about this day. Your father looks extremely proud.”