Georgia and Frank kissed as the sun glowed gold and then scarlet before finally dropping down behind the ocean. Swathes of twinkling water stretched out in front of them. She took his hand in hers and held it tightly. It had been a perfect day and now it had ended. But Georgia knew it was only the beginning of their life together. And she couldn’t wait to see where their story took them.

“And they all lived happily ever after,” Liv said aloud and punched the air. She’d completed her draft, ninety-five thousand words. Even though she’d left herself three weeks to polish them all up before Essie’s deadline it still felt like a momentous occasion, one she should celebrate.

If Jake knew about her secret task, he might buy wine and cake. If Essie were still here she might order afternoon tea. Liv imagined a cherub appearing to herald her achievement with a trumpet. But everything in the apartment was just the same as always. Silent and still.

She stood and looked out the window across the city, holding out her arms like Kate Winslet on the bow of the Titanic. But there was no wind in her hair, or anyone to entwine their fingers with hers. Feeling rather silly, she lowered her limbs. Success didn’t feel very big when you had no one to share it with.

She found Anthony had left her a voice message suggesting he call at the apartment the next day, to share Essie’s will with her. He was attending a wedding and would be passing by. Liv wondered if the contents of the will would provide her with the proper celebration she was looking for.

For now, she listlessly tidied the writing desk and picked up a few emails. She saw Chloe had got back in contact at last.

Hey Liv

Thanks for Hank’s quotes, so great. Sorry for my slow reply. I wanted to finish my article to show you. I’ve written about Georgia Rory, not Essie. I guess I don’t want to be the person you think I am. I’ve been busy talking to fans and discovering their stories. They’re so great! My editor loves the piece and I hope you do, too. Here’s a link to the Sheen website. And, yes, I’ll wait until after Nov 1 to share it more widely. Photos attached, too.

Let’s grab a latte soon.

Take care, hon.

Chloe xxx

Liv reread the message. It sounded like the journalist had experienced some kind of epiphany and was following a new direction. She opened the three photographs before reading the article.