‘I don’t know. I grabbed it from the table when you ran out, which I’m guessing I should not have done. That tarot reader has probably put a curse on me.’

‘That tarot reader is probably appearing in panto in a regional theatre next week,’ I told him. ‘Thank you for this.’

‘I guess it’s up to you,’ he said, giving me a friendly nudge with his shoulder. ‘What do you think is in store for you in the future? Independence or happy creative collaborations?’

‘We’ll just have to wait and see.’ I unzipped my cushion cover clutch and slid the card inside. If it was the only thing I took away with me from tonight, I wanted to keep it safe. ‘Now what, Crystal Ball guide?’

He glanced at the dial of his beautiful watch. ‘Almost midnight. The fireworks will be starting soon. We would have a great view if you want to stay here?’

‘Let’s do that,’ I said, more than happy to leave the Ball behind. Reaching for the soft grey blankets, I shuffled back along the day bed, pulling them up over me as I went. After a moment’s pause, Evan nodded and followed me up the bed. I pulled another blanket from the pile and tossed it over his long legs. ‘Warm enough?’

‘More than,’ he replied, piling cushions behind us and draping an arm along the back of the bed. In the distance, I heard people cheering as a bell began to ring. On the twelfth chime, the whole sky exploded with a rainbow of fireworks. The sound echoed off the hills and the bright lights reflected in the water, turning Panarea into a sparkling, colourful snow globe.

Wherever she was, I hoped Juliette could see them. I rested my head on Evan’s arm and smiled.

‘What are you thinking about?’ he asked.

‘A friend,’ I replied. ‘And how much she would love this.’

‘Maybe you can bring her next year,’ he suggested. ‘I could always pull some strings, try to get you in legit.’

‘Never say never,’ I said, cosying up under my blanket, but I knew I’d never be back here again.

For all the spectacle and grandeur of the Crystal Ball, I couldn’t help but think this was the most magical moment of it all. Two strangers who might never have met, sitting together beneath a sky full of light. I marvelled at all the choices we must have made to bring us to this exact moment and I wondered where mine would take me next.

‘Thank you for being my guide tonight,’ I said as I pulled the blanket over my mouth to cover a yawn. ‘Everyone was right, this is a night I will never forget.’

‘Me either,’ Evan said, resting his head against mine with a contented sigh. ‘As long as I live.’

And just for one moment, everything was perfect.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO