Nicole leaned over to George and asked for sparkling apple juice instead of beer, figuring no one would notice in all the excitement. She climbed up on the cedar bar top and smiled warmly as the entire establishment raised their voices.

‘Here’s to Nicole, she’s true blue …’

She swiftly and easily downed her drink, raising her glass in triumph at the end.

Danny helped her down, the press of the crowd keeping them pinned together.

‘That goal will become town legend,’ Nicole said, his body close to hers.

‘The match will.’ He smiled. ‘As will our lucky charm.’

‘Ah yes, every girl’s dream, to be forever remembered as a pair of socks.’ She laughed.

Danny smiled and raised his hand, brushing her fringe from her face.

‘Hey, Cap’n. Great goal.’ Matt bumped into them and put his arm round Danny. ‘Another round.’ He slurred and pushed Danny towards the bar.

Come midnight the celebration showed no sign of easing up, and Danny no sign of being free, so Nicole quietly slipped out and walked home. She had a lot to do before the picnic tomorrow and wanted to get an early start.

The black velvet sky sparkled with stars, the crescent moon smiled on its side, and a few wispy clouds painted her way home.

In the morning Nicole frantically ran around her kitchen, trying to get everything made in time. She chopped tomatoes and cucumbers, stirred pasta, blended pesto, cut up potato wedges and hulled strawberries. All according to the rules Mandy had given her during their cooking lessons. She kept checking the clock. The long, narrow hands appeared to be moving at an increasingly accelerated speed.

Surely no one would be early; more likely late, given the previous evening’s festivities. But she wanted to be ready on time anyway. She owed the boys at least that.

Trevor was bringing over his barbecue and Mandy had assured Nicole that everyone would bring their own meat and drinks. But she was the host and that meant ensuring there was enough food for people to walk away happy and full. She had big shoes to fill – it was the first town picnic in decades, and it was taking place once more on Ivy’s lawn.

She wiped her forehead, leaving a trail of green pesto above her left eyebrow. No time to stop. She hadn’t even set up the tables yet.

‘Hello?’ A voice called from the front door.

Nicole looked up at the clock. There was still half an hour before anyone was supposed to arrive. She wiped her hands on her apron and rushed to the door.

‘I thought you might need a hand,’ Danny said with warmth as she opened the screen door.

‘You’re a godsend.’ She sighed.

‘That’s a good look.’

‘Sorry?’

He gently wiped the pesto from her face.