Trust wasn’t the issue. Not trust of Danny, anyway. Not really. It was really whether she could trust herself again; whether she was willing to show all of herself, dirty truth and all, to someone else.

‘So I’m two for two?’ Mandy stood proud.

‘Yep.’

‘Then why aren’t you smiling?’ Mandy put her hands on her hips.

‘What if …’ Be brave, Nicole. A simple question. ‘What if the guy from my past won’t leave me in the past?’

‘Easy.’ Mandy wrapped her in hug. ‘Then he’s just a bully and together we’ll bloomin’ well make him. Bullies only respond to strength.’

Nicole let out a tiny laugh. It sounded so very simple. ‘How is it you’re so wise?’

‘Natural gift, my dear. Now come inside and fix me a snack. I’m starving.’

Nicole threw together a quick chicken salad and they sat in the kitchen and Mandy went through the plans for the painting bee Jacqui had suggested last trivia night – who would bring what to eat, which tasks were allocated to whom, who’d bring what equipment. Nicole wanted to make a list, but Mandy put a gentle hand on her shoulder.

‘We’ll all turn up next Sunday and it will just work out.’

They tidied up their dinner mess and Mandy bade her farewell. ‘Have you told Danny any of what you told me?’

Nicole shook her head.

‘Maybe you should.’

To what end, though?

Nicole couldn’t think about that right now. All she wanted was to find out what happened next with Ivy and Charlie.

16th December, 1968

My Dearest Tom,

Charlie remains in the boatshed. He has fixed the door and started on fixing up other bits and pieces – one of the window frames, the planter box at the entrance. He has offered to paint the cottage verandah and I have accepted. It is flaking and while I am sure I could manage the task (you would be impressed with the skills I have been forced to acquire from living alone!), I must admit I welcomed having an excuse to keep him here longer.

He has not been one for talking and is not a joyous soul spreading warmth – oh, how I miss Lucy. But, I have grown somewhat accustomed to his quiet company.

I have begun bringing him tea each morning and we often sit together, without speaking, on the bench you made me. We sip Earl Grey, and watch the waves. I find myself looking forward to those silent moments, the part of the day I feel I am no longer alone in the world.

Last week we came to an agreement, and it seems his stay will be indefinite.

The seed of a thought germinated in Nicole’s mind. Did Charlie have something to do with the cottage and the rental agreement?