‘Well, the man I thought cared for me was a crook; he stole my inheritance from my deceased parents. After he left I rotted away in bed for six months, I didn’t get dressed, didn’t bother to look after myself, and it was only when I knew I couldn’t keep on punishing myself and I swallowed my pride, that I got the help I needed.’

‘Help?’

‘Heartcross… Callie. I think you’ve just met Callie, she’s the restaurant manager. She brought me here for a fresh start, and so I moved miles, all the way from Cheshire. She gave me a home and a job and helped me to pick myself up. You moved too, didn’t you? That must have been difficult.’

Megan nodded and tilted her face upwards. She didn’t speak but Ella noticed her eyes gleamed with tears. ‘It was,’ she said finally.

‘I know it doesn’t seem like it now, but your dad brought you here for all the right reasons. He loves you and wants to help you. Just think about letting him help you. You still have each other, and what I would give to have my parents still with me.’

Megan looked over again and wiped the tears with the back of her hand. ‘I don’t even like myself when I drink.’ She retched once more and Ella moved closer and gathered up her hair as Megan vomited again. Ella gently rubbed her back and noticed movement behind her. She looked over her shoulder to see Roman walking towards them. Ella gave him a reassuring smile that said everything was okay and calm.

‘Here’s your dad now. I’ll leave you two alone.’ Ella stood up and took a step towards Roman. ‘How did it go?’

‘I told Flynn everything and he was really understanding. He’s told me to do what I need to do and my job is still there.’

‘See, I told you, being honest and open is always the best policy. I’ll meet you back at the restaurant. Megan is calm but feels a little sick. Take it easy on her.’

‘Thank you, Ella – I mean that.’ He touched her arm before walking towards Megan.

Ella watched from afar as Roman bent down next to his daughter and opened his arms wide. Megan fell into them. Somehow she’d lost her way, but looking at the way they were hugging each other tight, Ella was sure everything was going to be okay.

Chapter Eleven

‘How are you doing?’ asked Ella, handing Roman a cup of tea. ‘Did you sleep?’

Roman sat down on the settee. ‘It’s the first night I’ve slept well in ages. When I woke, I felt a sense of calm – and that’s all down to you.’