‘So Dolores reads tea leaves – that’s what she said, isn’t it?’ asked Ella, who had only ever had her fortune told once before, by Gypsy Petrulengro on Blackpool’s seafront after getting totally inebriated on a hen weekend.

Callie let out an involuntary laugh. ‘I can see where this is going.’

‘Have you had yours read?’ Ella was intrigued. She didn’t disbelieve the whole theory about seeing into the future, but of course was a little sceptical. ‘This could be fun.’

‘Whoa!’ Callie held up her hand. ‘Don’t bring me into this! I’m not sure I believe in all that looking-into-the-future malarkey. I’m a firm believer in letting fate take over. But as your friend, I’m willing to participate, if I have to.’

This perked Ella right up and a flicker of a smile spread across her face. ‘You know what I love, even after all this time? We just fall back into being the best of friends. It’s just so easy being in your company. Thanks for all this, and sorting out a job for me too.’ Ella was genuinely grateful.

‘It’s exactly the same for me, after splitting with Dan after all that time. If it wasn’t for Flynn and Julia giving me a job and a home when I first arrived… There’s something about Heartcross, and you being here will do me the world of good. It’s great to have some company, especially when it’s yours. We used to have the best times.’

Ella was unexpectedly moved. Callie was a loyal friend with a good heart, always kind and a well-meaning person. She’d stepped up to the mark, and that was what true friendship was all about. ‘Let’s have a toast to us.’ Ella held up her glass and tapped it against Callie’s. ‘Here’s to life, happiness and my new job. Let’s hope it’s all happy sailing.’

‘I hope so too, as the only way to work is by water taxi.’ Callie gave a little chuckle.

Ella’s mind glimpsed back to her younger self – slender, gorgeous and maybe a little gobby at times. Now in her mid-thirties, she’d never thought it would be written in the stars that she was going to be a waitress, bunking up with her old uni friend, miles from home. But now she was here, she was going to grasp the opportunity with both hands. Of course, she was going to throw herself into life in Heartcross, and hopefully soon she’d have more of a clue about what she was actually going to do with her life.

‘You never know what’s around the corner,’ added Callie, holding up her glass. ‘To us! And our future, which starts right here, right now.’

‘To us,’ mirrored Ella. ‘And the start of a brand-new chapter.’

Chapter Two