That actually sounds appealing right now. But broadcasting her desperation to find a man across the whole nation? Is that really something she can do? ‘I can’t go on that show.’ Bonnie shakes her head, her hands hiding her face at just the thought. ‘I don’t know what I was thinking auditioning.’

‘Don’t be stupid, of course you can.’

‘What about the business? I can’t just up and leave in a matter of days.’ Bonnie glances down the street, wishing the Myles family would turn up so she’d have an excuse to get out of this conversation. She notices the hairdressers have gotten a new sign. She really should take the time to make an appointment for a cut and colour.

‘I can help with the admin,’ Carla says matter-of-factly. ‘I can reschedule bookings for when you get back or refer them on to other photographers.’

‘I’m a small business, Carla. I can’t afford to turn work away.’

Carla screws up her face. ‘Yes, you can. I’ve seen your bank account. You can easily take two months off work.’

Bonnie wonders when and even why Carla has seen her bank balance but knows there’s no point asking because Carla probably believes it’s her right as Bonnie’s sister to check on her finances.

‘Look at it like a holiday. You’d get out of this place for eight weeks.’

‘A holiday where awkward dates are televised for the whole country to see. Not to mention living in a house with a bunch of women who are dating the same man. No thanks.’

‘This guy could be your one true love.’

Bonnie has to laugh at this. She highly doubts it. ‘The show will probably make me out as the pathetic older spinster.’

Carla’s face drops and Bonnie can tell her sister’s tactic will be to sulk, a well-practised move that she used as a kid and now uses in her marriage to get whatever she wants. ‘It makes me so sad that you carry on like this. You’re a beautiful woman and you’re kind and smart and caring. You have to let other people see that too.’

Bonnie closes her eyes for a moment as Oliver spirals into her mind. He sees her for who she truly is. She wants a future with him, but that’s not possible anymore.

‘I want to see you happy. I want you to have what I have.’

Bonnie wants that too but keeps her face neutral. If she gives Carla even the remotest bit of hope, Bonnie won’t have a chance at standing her ground.

‘I’d love to have you and your hubby over for dinner. The kids would love cousins. Do you know how many times Lily asks when Aunty Bonnie is going to have kids?’

‘Why don’t you tell Lily the truth—that Aunty Bonnie might never have kids?’