‘Hey, look at you.’ She smiled. He was wearing a signature Johnny silk shirt tucked into crisp linen trousers. ‘Everything under control?’

‘You bet. They’re an excellent crew. It’s all going to look stunning when we edit it together.’ He was still holding her arm. ‘You okay? Sounds like you did great.’

‘I think I did. And I think Lawrence will keep his word this time.’

‘I’m sure he will. Johnny and old Harold will make sure of it, I reckon. Apparently they had a fellow watching on the whole time in the Whisky Lounge, in case Lawrence caused you any trouble. They think the world of you. So do I.’

‘Is that your professional opinion?’ She smiled, tilting her head.

‘You’re flirting!’ He laughed and wrapped his arms around her. ‘I think you’re gorgeous and clever, and we’re going to be an amazing team.’ He pulled her to him and kissed her long and lovingly. Grace felt herself shiver and start to melt as some inner barrier gave way, and warmth took its place.

‘I should get to work,’ Grace said, smiling and pulling away from him. ‘I can’t come in late and then just swan around.’

‘It’s fine. I’ll go and check on the crew but I know Mateo and Henry will have everything in order.’ He took her hands. ‘You go and find your mum. She’s been worried about you, but she was trying hard not to let anyone know.’

‘Okay, I will. Thanks for looking after her.’ She reached up and kissed him.

She found Andy and Tina dancing with Daisy, who wore a new dress, the coloured batik print flowers outlined in tiny beads and little crystals that sparkled. A tiara of flowers was securely anchored around her head. When she saw her mother, Daisy ran over, squealing, and threw herself at Grace, who held her darling child as if she’d never let her go. And now, she hoped, she would never have to.

‘Gracie,’ Tina called, coming over to join them. ‘Honey, I am so proud of you.’

Grace reached out and took her mother’s hand. ‘I have lots more to tell you, but it can wait.’

A drifting parade of staff and friends stopped by to chat with Andy and Grace, compliment Daisy on her dress and meet Tina. Andy opened a bottle of champagne and an ever-growing group joined them to celebrate the huge achievement that was the opening of the Kamasan, and Grace felt perfectly content for the first time in months.

*

It would soon be dawn. They were a small group sitting at the comfortable and now quiet bar pool area. Tina and Daisy had gone home long before; Grace, Steve, Mel, Johnny and Andy were lingering over their drinks. The crew had gone off on their own to party, and Rosie had a date.