When Faith had prised this information from Nick, her emotions had been conflicted. She had witnessed the pain April had suffered for a similar betrayal, but in Faith’s mind, it was Erin who had broken her wedding vows, not Nick. He was by no means blameless, but wasn’t it better to know a man’s faults before getting involved?

‘Satisfied?’ asked Faith.

‘Well, I don’t know,’ Justine said. ‘We’ve never had anyone in the group who—’

‘I wish you could have forewarned me, Faith,’ said Tara. ‘You must have known this would cause complications if ever it got out.’

‘I’ve been away,’ she said, but Tara’s hard stare was enough to break even her. Faith needed to recruit her friend back to the right side. ‘OK, OK. I didn’t want to tell you. I know this isn’t ideal, but Nick’s still grieving like the rest of us. He has as much right to be in the group as anyone.’

‘In that case, I’m sure the others will understand,’ Justine said to Nick. ‘Assuming you’re willing to explain your circumstances.’

‘No,’ Tara said, jumping in before Nick could relax. ‘The others won’t understand. Not all of them.’

‘I’m sorry, Tara,’ Nick replied. ‘I’m not proud of my past, or how I’ve kept things from the group, so if you have an issue with me remaining a member, I’m happy to leave.’

‘It’s not me who’ll take issue,’ she replied. Her jaw was set as she looked again to Faith. They both knew they were talking about April even if Justine and Nick didn’t.

‘This is different,’ Faith replied. ‘Nick wasn’t the one who was married.’

‘You know it’s not that simple.’

‘Then I’ll tell you what is,’ Faith said. ‘If you expel Nick from the group, I’m leaving too.’

‘Please, Faith,’ Tara said.

‘Would you stay if Iain were asked to leave, or would you make a stand?’ replied Faith. When Tara didn’t answer, she added, ‘Nick is part of my life, Tara. We’re living together.’

Tara’s mouth fell open, but it was Justine who gasped. ‘When did this happen? Oh, my gosh.’

‘I’m only moving in as a lodger,’ Nick added. ‘In case you were worried that we’re rushing into things.’

When Faith glared at Tara, they locked eyes. Tara was the first to blink.

‘I’m not saying Nick has to go. I just think we need to consider how some of the others might react. At the very least, we need to prepare them.’

‘Prepare who?’ demanded Justine. ‘Is someone going to explain what’s going on?’

Tara held her breath before releasing it with a sigh. ‘I can do that,’ she promised. She glanced at Nick before adding, ‘Later.’

‘So what’s your decision?’

Tara thought hard before she answered Faith. ‘Can you leave it with me?’