Keely gaped at him. It had never crossed her mind that she would receive payment. The Levalliers had been so good to her, letting her stay rent-free. She’d eaten their food and drunk their wine.

“I couldn’t take your money.”

“Why not? If you hadn’t done those sketches, I would’ve had to pay someone else to create something.”

He reached up and pulled back a tendril of hair that had fallen across her face. The updo Maggie had created that morning was still in place but a glance in the mirror back at the house had shown her that strands were beginning to escape. She needed to let it all down and brush it.

“Keely, you have to believe in yourself a little more.”

He was standing very close. He took her arm from the post and held both of her hands in his. Trapped between the light from the studio and the glow of the moon, shadows fell across his face and hid his eyes but she could feel his gaze.

“I’m sorry you and I didn’t get off to a very good start,” he said. “I was rude and I made certain assumptions when we first met and I’ve never really apologised properly. I hope you…”

He didn’t finish the sentence but leaned forward and kissed her. Not on the cheek but on the lips. It was a brief touch but it was like an electric shock. She gasped and every bit of her tingled.

Flynn straightened up and let go of her hands. “Euan and I are grateful for what you’ve done for us.”

She looked down. It wasn’t his gratitude she wanted but it was all she was entitled to. Just for a moment, she’d allowed herself to think that he might like her as more than a friend but she was dreaming. Kat was the one he loved.

“I have enjoyed helping.” She straightened and stepped away from the post. “I’d better get some sleep, though. Maggie thinks we could be even busier tomorrow.”

She reached the door and turned back. He faced her and, in the light, she thought he looked sad.

“See you in the morning.” He gave a half wave and slipped off into the night.

* * *

Kat stood with her arm around her grandmother as they watched the paramedics lift the trolley into the back of the ambulance with Pappou firmly attached. He was propped up with an oxygen mask over his grey face and his right hand clutched his left arm but even so, he managed to wiggle his fingers at them.

“I’m so glad you were here, Katerina.” Yia-yia shivered.

Kat pulled her grandmother close in a hug. “Come on. I’ll get your jacket and we’ll follow in the car.”