She was about to close the web page but her eye caught on something in the Canadian man’s speech, which had been reproduced in full. The man had talked about synthetics, about the art of selling and packaging a product, and Grace nodded. ‘Yeah, tell me about it,’ she said aloud. Then she read on . . . Look for that extra something that puts your name in front of your audience so they remember you, and no other competitor. Believe me, enabling the vision is the key to success. My father was a film producer and in every film he sold a vision: the story, the whole package. He knew how to seduce an audience.

Grace sat bolt upright. ‘Whoa!’ she shouted. His father was a film producer in Hollywood!

She found the man’s contact details on the company website and sent him an email.

*

Tina, Grace and Daisy had a quiet night playing a board game after dinner, then Grace sat in bed reading Daisy a story.

As she cuddled her little girl, gave her a kiss and tucked her in, Daisy reached for her hand.

‘I’m always going to live with you, Mum. I can visit Dad, but you will always be with me, won’t you?’ she said, looking earnestly at Grace.

Grace wrapped her arms around her daughter, and held her tight, trying to swallow the lump that had formed instantly in her throat. ‘Of course. No matter what, you are always my girl, and Nana’s girl. And you have to remember that I’ll always be here with you, my darling.’

Daisy gripped Grace tightly and then curled on her side, snuggling down beneath the coverlet and, reassured, closed her eyes.

*

In the balmy tropical air, Grace sat outside looking up at the stars. Her phone pinged and she saw she had a message.

She smiled, thinking it might be Mel. But no, she realised, with the time difference it was too late.

It was from Lawrence’s sister, Beatrice; Grace had given Beatrice her mobile number when she’d responded to Beatrice’s Facebook message.

Thank you so much for sending the photo of your daughter. She looks sweet. My mother was thrilled. I hope we can meet one day. We’ll leave that up to you. I imagine life with my brother hasn’t been easy for you. Sarah and Jamie have made their way on their own. Jamie is a lovely boy. It makes us sad he doesn’t know his father at all, but Sarah feels things are for the best. I hope they work out for you too. Sadly I never married or had children. My role has been to care for my parents. If you can, do mention to my brother that our father is very frail. Blessings, Bea.