“Wow,” said Jules quietly, a pang in her chest. Why was everything suddenly signposting how single she was?

“I adore the Capels,” said Lucy with a little sniff.

“Right? I mean, you should have seen that kiss. This is probably going to sound really naïve, but I had no idea older people still, you know … kissed like that.”

Jules nodded sombrely. Even the Capels were madly in love.

“And I think Alan’s right,” said Lucy. “I mean, Archer, sorry, old habits and all that, but right about their story. It would make a wonderful film. ‘Inspired by true events …’” Lucy smiled to herself. She loved a good romance.

“Oh, for sure, and he’s already done a bunch of research,” added Chloe.

“He should interview them,” suggested Lucy. “Especially as Mrs Capel is not likely to remember things for much longer …” She trailed off.

“And, if they’re both eighty-plus …” noted Jules.

“Hmm,” murmured Chloe, the underlying urgency of the situation tugging at her heart.

“So, are you and Archer, like, a thing?” asked Jules. She’d been watching Chloe closely, and was sure there was something going on. She’d never seen Chloe this infatuated before—with a guy, anyway. Chloe did have an almost freakish love of closet organisers and stationery.

Lucy was shocked to see the pinkness rise in Chloe’s cheeks. “You’re blushing,” she declared.

Chloe couldn’t conceal her grin. “He kissed me.”

“Oh, my god!” Jules exclaimed. How awesome was it that her best friend had kissed a Hollywood hottie?

Lucy squealed, ignoring the sharp pain that stabbed her temples. “Chloe, that’s wonderful. Alan’s—Sorry, Archer’s so, so lovely.”

“Yeah, he is. And look, I know it’s only been a couple of days, and it’s definitely surreal at times, but honestly, being kissed like that, Lucy … I’ve never …” She sighed. “Let’s just say, it’s a first for me.” She bit her lip, realising as she said the words, that it was more than just the kiss. The feelings she was having were a first too.

“I’ll tell you what’s a first—you’re practically tongue-tied,” said Lucy. She and Chloe exchanged grins.

Jules watched Lucy’s face, seeing how genuinely delighted she was for Chloe, and felt like crap. Why had she given Lucy such a hard time about Will? She knew why—sort of—but still, Lucy was one of the people dearest to her and it was Christmas. She’d been such a shit, but before she could say anything to make it right, Chloe interjected.

“There’s something else, though,” said Chloe, her good cheer fading. “So, just trust me on this and do exactly what I say, okay?” Jules sat up a little straighter and Lucy nodded solemnly. “I want you to google Archer, then select ‘news’. Go ahead, I’ll wait.”

Chloe watched as her friends’ fingers flew over their respective phone screens. Their twin looks of shock—or was that horror?—landed at almost exactly the same time. “Yep,” declared Chloe. “That. That happened.”

“Oh, my god, Chlo,” Jules exclaimed. She seriously wished she were more sober for this conversation; she was barely able to keep up.