‘I see, I did wonder . . . I realise it’s been a long time since, you know, and I wondered if I’d been replaced,’ he asked.

‘No.’ She swallowed hard. ‘Not at all. Look, I don’t know how much you know . . . about what happened.’ She drew in a shaky breath and tried to hold it, to calm down as her past loomed up. ‘I understand you want to see me, but please, I don’t want any trouble. I was only seventeen when . . .’ She sighed. ‘If it’s some kind of revenge you want, then you’ll be pleased to know I’ve been through hell for the past twenty years.’ Her emotions rose and she realised she wouldn’t be able to talk for much longer. ‘I’ll meet you at that café at four o’clock on Wednesday. Goodbye.’ She ended the call abruptly, but didn’t seem to be able to terminate her emotions. Her heart was breaking and she simply couldn’t hold back the tears. Why was this happening now, after all this time?

*

‘Don’t tell me you’re coming down with a cold,’ Eve said when she noticed her red eyes.

Shelly tried to dismiss it. ‘No, they’re just protesting to the very idea of wearing mascara every day.’

‘You can do it. Come on, woman up.’

Shelly forced a laugh.

Eve came and sat on the corner of Shelly’s desk. ‘Listen, I can’t help but notice something’s been bothering you lately. If I can help in any way, you just have to say, you know that, don’t you?’

‘Oh God . . . Is it that obvious?’

Eve nodded. ‘I don’t like to see you upset. It’s worrying, and although I’m not going to pry, just tell me if it involves money or health, please, because I can help with at least one of those things?’

Shelly felt her heart swell. ‘You’re so kind, Eve, thank you, but you don’t have to worry. My finances and health are both under control. I’m meeting someone from my past on Wednesday, to sort out a few things, then I’ll be fine, promise.’

‘Don’t forget we’ve got our hair and nails at half one.’

‘No problem, I’m meeting him at four. I guess we’ll be finished at the salon by then.’

‘And you know what, there’s nothing like a pamper for giving a girl confidence. Not that you’re lacking . . . right?’

Shelly smiled. ‘Eve, thank you.’

*