The arrival of the main course gave Faith time to consider what else was being placed on the table. She had always suspected Nick had an agenda and now that she knew the details, she could make an informed decision. In her previous marriage, she had never become involved in Derek’s business ventures and that had left her vulnerable. If she were to join forces with Nick, she wouldn’t be a sleeping partner. The terms would have to be right and there was only one form of contract that would interest her. She played with her wedding band and waited for Nick to notice.

27

Tara had agreed to meet April at the venue, but she wasn’t familiar with Sefton Park and almost missed the hotel sign partly obscured by shrubbery. If she had driven past, she wasn’t sure she would have turned back. Tracking down Josh Peters was a bad idea. It was hard enough knowing that the wrong man had been welcomed into their group without coming face to face with the person they should be supporting.

Once in the car park, Tara grabbed one of the few remaining spaces before manoeuvring herself out of the car. It wasn’t an easy process in her tight dress. She had been worried that one of her vintage outfits would draw too much attention and had ordered what she thought was a simple black number online. It was meant to be understated, but it hugged her curves in all the right places and, to Tara’s surprise, it made her feel good about herself in a way she hadn’t felt in months. Lily had helped with her make-up and announced she looked beautiful, which was another reason Tara yearned to be home with her family. They had reached a turning point.

As she waited for April, Tara took in her surroundings. With only a few days until Valentine’s Day, the hotel was decorated with heart-shaped balloons and banners. Love was in the air and it was concentrated on one woman whose photo shone out on the bitterly cold evening. Aware of the other guests milling around, Tara wondered how many had known Erin personally, and if they had ever been introduced to Nick. As fresh doubt assailed her, headlights swept across the car park. The car slowed and there was the hum of an electric window.

‘You look stunning,’ April said.

‘I’m bloody freezing,’ replied Tara, teeth chattering. ‘Can we hurry up and go inside, please?’

April reversed into the last parking space and wrapped a blue pashmina over her bare shoulders as she hurried towards Tara.

‘You look amazing too,’ Tara said.

‘My heart is thumping through my chest,’ April admitted.

‘I don’t know why. We’re only here to observe.’

‘Obviously,’ April replied. ‘Shall we go in? Do we have our stories straight?’

‘I’m playing the widow, so not much change there.’