‘Oh honey, you don’t have to justify yourself to me. All these movies and TV shows where everyone has this gang of mates that do everything together – it’s not real. That’s not how real life works. I have two BFFs, my mum and dad, my brother when he’s not being a dick and, well, I guess you, now you’re back.’

‘Ahhhh, are you being soppy with me, Charlie?’

‘Bugger off,’ they said, rolling their eyes playfully. ‘You could text him, you know. It wouldn’t make you weak or anything. It’s obviously unfinished business, and friendship would be a nice olive branch to get closure.’

‘Maybe,’ said Penny.

‘More than maybe,’ said Charlie.

Penny scrunched up her face. ‘I hate that I still think of him. It makes me feel like I’m failing at being a strong, independent woman.’

‘If you think of him and wish he’d stand on an upturned plug, or that his boiler would break on Christmas Day, I think that’s “Upset You” talking. But if he made you laugh and you want a giggle and he adds something to your life rather than takes away, you’re in the safe zone. It’s not a failure to forgive somebody. It’s actually quite gracious.’

Penny nodded. ‘You give okay advice, you know.’

‘What a compliment,’ Charlie replied, smirking. ‘I can hardly stand how effusive your admiration for me is.’

* * *

Penny had no plan to where she was headed, but she knew she needed some fresh air before the day began. Ever since meeting that guy from school last week – Thomas – she’d been craving time away from work. She hadn’t realized how Red-Panda-centric she’d become. She’d slid into it consuming all her waking hours, and she knew it wasn’t healthy. She wondered if that’s why she obsessed over Francesco – she literally had nothing else to occupy her thoughts.