Penelope pauses for a second, but then remembers the excuse she’d used last week after yoga. ‘Yes, all done.’ What a stupid excuse to use when she’s not even working. But thankfully the woman hadn’t pressed for details. The excuse had come too easily; Penelope had used it many times before when deadlines had ruled her life on a weekly basis. She hugs the books she’s carrying a little closer to her chest, trying to ignore the longing for her old life and her old job. Days spent hunched over manuscripts … transporting herself into different worlds … searching for new authors …

‘I’m Lara,’ the woman says, interrupting Penelope’s stream of thought. ‘I realised we haven’t properly introduced ourselves.’

‘I’m Penelope.’

‘Well, it’s nice to meet you,’ she laughs. ‘Oh, this is Molly and Harry,’ she goes on, pointing to her kids. Snotty-nosed Harry stares up at her with big blue unsure eyes, and Molly hides behind her mum’s leg. ‘We’ve just been to story time.’

‘I heard that going on. Sounded like fun.’ Penelope attempts a smile at the kids, but it feels unnatural and forced.

‘Oh, it’s hideous noise for everyone else I imagine,’ Lara says. ‘They probably need to stick a big warning sign on the door so people know when to avoid coming in.’

‘It wasn’t that bad.’

Lara reaches for something in her bag, which is strapped onto the back of the pram. ‘So, you’re settling in okay?’

‘Yeah, it’s all great. I like it here.’ Penelope suddenly feels very conscious of the books she’s holding, and uncomfortable at the thought of Lara paying attention to any of them. She shifts the large pile to the side, hoping Lara won’t spy any of the titles.

‘Oh, good.’ Lara, having retrieved a tissue, wipes at Harry’s nose.

The snot makes Penelope’s stomach turn.

‘We’re just going down to the park. Want to come with us?’ Lara’s face is welcoming. ‘There’s a great coffee place on the way.’

Penelope can see how much this woman wants to be friends, but she can’t bear the thought of it. ‘Sorry, I can’t today.’ She doesn’t even bother giving a reason why and instead tries to ignore the familiar thudding of guilt in her gut.

‘No worries.’ Lara forces a smile, but Penelope can see the hurt and knows Lara won’t extend the hand of friendship again.

Chapter 12

12

‘This is Ty Peterson.’ Alice strides into the meeting room with the new suitor a few steps behind.

The atmosphere in the room changes, both Darcy and Mel sitting a little straighter. He’s even better looking than his photos suggested.

‘Hi.’ He waves, a little unsure. Joe had been loud, friendly and outright flirty—basically a replica of the previous suitors. Ty seems different—cautious and tentative. Darcy had been hopeful but concerns quickly surface.