‘I haven’t met him… well, I have met him, but not like that; we’ve only just met. Actually, he brought me here today.’

‘He brought you here today?’ Dolores gave Ella a knowing look. ‘I know you’ve not had an easy time of it, but just take each day as it comes and live for the moment. And remember that not everyone is out for what they can get.’

Listening to Dolores’ words of wisdom, Ella knew that she was right. Maybe she should ask Roman out for a drink, just as friends? He could show her around. She found him attractive, but Ella always had that nervous niggle in the back of her mind – could she let anyone get close to her again?

‘Sometimes this world is cruel, and you have to grab every bit of happiness whilst you can.’ Dolores’ tone was suddenly sad and Ella sensed that Dolores had a story of her own to tell, but before she could say any more, the nurse appeared at the end of her bed.

‘How are you feeling Dolores?’ she asked warmly, picking up her arm and taking her pulse.

‘The machine is still beeping, so I must still be alive.’

‘Every cloud,’ The nurse winked jokingly.

Whilst Dolores was distracted by the timely arrival of the nurse, Ella’s thoughts drifted back to Roman. Maybe she could ask him out for a drink as a thank-you for bringing her here today. After all, that was the least she could do.

As soon as the nurse left, Dolores waggled her finger at Ella. ‘Ask him out – friendships that blossom are wonderful things.’ It was like Dolores had just read her mind. ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’ joked Dolores. ‘You’ll have to swim to work if you two fall out.’

‘I’m not a strong swimmer, so let’s hope that doesn’t happen!’ Looking down at her watch, Ella realised that they had been chatting away for over an hour and was conscious that Roman was just sitting in the carpark waiting for her. It was probably time to make a move.

‘And one more thing. Would you be kind enough to have a slice of cake waiting for me when I get home?’ Dolores lowered her voice and looked towards the curtain. ‘The food in here isn’t up to much. I wouldn’t feed it to my worst enemy. Creamed potatoes,’ she whispered, wrinkling up her nose.

Ella grinned. ‘I think I can manage that,’ she said, standing, ‘and I’ll see you tomorrow after I’ve finished my shift.’

‘Fingers crossed, I’ll be home.’ Dolores gave Ella a warm smile.

Bette hadn’t moved a muscle when Ella returned to the car. She peeped at Roman through the window and his eyes were closed. She rapped loudly on the window, causing him to bolt upright.