‘It’s good that you’re comfortable mixing old memories with new,’ April said, but her features darkened when she added, ‘I couldn’t do it.’

Tara moved closer. ‘What’s going on, April? And don’t say you’re fine. Have you found out any more about the initials on the stone?’

‘No.’

‘But there is something.’

April nodded. She regretted downing the fizz. It had gone straight to her head and relaxed the muscles that had been holding back her tears these last weeks. ‘I found out Jason was taking an afternoon off here and there. He worked on site a lot of the time, so it wasn’t exactly difficult to fool me into thinking he was still in work.’

Tara pursed her lips but before she could say anything, Faith’s hand touched April’s shoulder. ‘Don’t you two look gorgeous.’

In the time it took the three women to hug each other, April had blinked away her tears. ‘And as usual, you’ve outdone us all.’

Faith had teased her blonde hair into soft curls and was wearing a sapphire blue jumpsuit that accentuated her curves and included touches of chiffon that gave an alluring hint of bare skin beneath. ‘No, I’m pretty sure everyone’s looking at you,’ she said to April.

There was a flutter of nerves in April’s chest, exactly where she imagined everyone was looking. She needed a drink, or maybe she should leave; she couldn’t decide. This was her first social event since Jason had died and she was aware of the space he would normally occupy. She needed him by her side. Damn him for dying. Damn him for betraying her.

‘April’s been telling me the latest news,’ Tara said to Faith. ‘Jason was taking afternoons off without her.’

‘The sneaky bastard,’ Faith said. ‘How did you find that out?’

‘I have access to the attendance systems at work.’

Faith’s eyes narrowed. ‘Have you checked if anyone else took leave at the same time?’

April’s cheeks burned. ‘I couldn’t exactly go through every single employee’s movements, but I did check out a few names, and I hated myself for it. They were friends who deserved better of me because nothing came up. I don’t think this person does work for the council. Jason worked with a lot of contractors and sales reps, so I may never find out.’

‘But there was definitely a someone,’ Faith said, shaking her head in disgust.

‘Yes, I think so,’ April said with a finality that made her legs wobble. ‘Now, can we change the subject? I don’t want to think about Jason tonight.’

‘Fair enough,’ Tara said. ‘Let’s enjoy ourselves, ladies.’

Iain’s approach was slow and careful as he returned from the bar with three glasses perched on a tray. April grabbed hers first and took a large gulp.

‘Go easy on that,’ Tara warned.