Roman looked her way. ‘I’m just struggling with a situation at the minute, but there’s only me who can sort it out. I’ll get there, but thank you.’ Roman didn’t say anything else as he pulled up on the kerb outside the entrance to the village shop and pulled on the handbrake.

Like the gentleman he was, he jumped out of the car and opened Ella’s door for her. ‘Back safe and sound.’

‘Thank you,’ she replied, attempting to press down the red button to release her seatbelt, but nothing happened. ‘Bette doesn’t seem to want to let me go.’

Roman reached over and brushed his hand against hers. The feel of his touch sent an unexpected shiver down her spine as she sat back against the seat. He unclipped the seatbelt with ease. ‘There must be a knack to it,’ she said and climbed out of the car.

‘I’ll see you at work tomorrow, and Roman…’ Ella paused. ‘I know you don’t know me that well, but sometimes it’s good to talk. If Callie hadn’t rescued me at such a difficult time, goodness knows where I would have ended up, but it wouldn’t have been Heartcross.’

Roman nodded and held her gaze. ‘Thank you. I hear you, and I’ll see you tomorrow.’

Ella watched as he clambered back into the car, leaving her wondering what was going on in his life. She’d opened up to Roman about Alex, but Roman hadn’t felt able to do the same. Whatever was going on for him, she knew it must be more than run-of-the-mill stuff. She didn’t like to see anyone struggling, especially when she knew first-hand that having a friend to talk things through with and support you was worth its weight in gold.

After Bette disappeared at the end of the road Ella opened the door to the stairwell and heard footsteps thumping down the stairs. She was met by Callie bounding towards her, her arms full of files and notepads. ‘I’m late, I’ve got to hurry to make the boat. How’s Dolores?’ she asked, still walking but talking.

‘Hopefully home tomorrow.’

‘Good, fantastic news! McCartney hasn’t been for a walk yet, so if you have time… I’ve really got to run, but don’t forget Sunday dinner at the pub… The gang will be there – Julia, Eleni, Felicity and Isla. You’ll love them.’

‘Fab! I look forward to it, and good luck with the marketing meeting,’ Ella bellowed after Callie, but the stairwell door had already shut firmly behind her.