‘Well, I had to make sure you wouldn’t have to work this afternoon if it wasn’t totally necessary,’ said Tina. ‘So I asked Steve for his help. He’s popping over for a celebratory drink with us.’

The girls and Tina lifted their glasses of mimosa as Sri poured orange juice into Daisy’s glass.

‘To good friends,’ said Tina.

‘I’ll drink to that,’ said Mel.

Grace couldn’t speak for the moment. With tears in her eyes, she looked at her dearest friend, managing only to say, ‘Thanks, Mel . . .’

‘Oh, just drink your drink,’ said Melanie gruffly.

*

Grace and Mel spent a hilarious evening at the Kamasan, having dinner with Steve and the crew, Tina and Andy, while Daisy went to dinner at a school-friend’s house. Early the next morning, refreshed from a swim, they sat by the pool with their coffees.

‘What a night, such fun people. And this is heaven.’ Mel sighed. ‘How can you ever go home?’

‘It was a great night. Though it was unusual. With the upcoming opening, it kind of felt like a last hurrah. I don’t think things will ever be that laid-back again once the place is functioning with paying customers,’ said Grace. ‘I feel so lucky to have been part of all this.’

‘Everyone raves about what a fabulous job you’re doing, and how lovely you are. They’re right, of course.’

‘Tell that to Spencer the jerk.’ Grace sniffed.

‘Oops, I nearly forgot. I ran into Allison from Carson’s last week.’

‘Really? Oh, she lives near you, doesn’t she?’

‘Yep, we go to the same bakery on Saturday mornings,’ Mel said. ‘She asked how you were going. I think she was worried about you after the way things ended.’ Mel looked at Grace and smiled. ‘Anyway, she’s quit.’

Grace laughed. ‘Well, good on her. None of the good people will hang around there.’

‘It sounds like Spencer has wrought havoc.’ Mel sipped her coffee, then said, ‘Alli asked if I’d let you know she’s looking for a job.’

‘Oh, of course. If I can get this film up, I’ll hire her in heartbeat,’ Grace said. ‘I’ll text her and let her know.’

‘So you think this film has legs?’ Mel raised a quizzical eyebrow.

‘It’s moving in the right direction. I got a message from the French-Canadian guy whose father seems to have been the last one to hold the film rights. When we first spoke he told me his dad died a few years ago and he didn’t know anything about it. He messaged me today to say he’s since checked the contract and it appears the rights reverted to K’tut’s estate on his dad’s death.’

‘You really are keen on this,’ said Mel quietly.

‘You don’t think I can do it?’