It appeared Felix had had the same thought. ‘Alright, so we’re close, much closer than others, but that’s because of the journey we’ve shared. I’ll also admit that I have strong feelings for you.’ He looked at her, and as their eyes met, Roz could see the adoration in his, and even if it was just the love of a friend it didn’t really matter: others would see the same look she had.

‘People aren’t stupid, Felix, they have eyes in their head, as do I,’ she said quietly.

He put his sandwich back in its wrapper and placed his hand over hers. ‘It doesn’t matter how I feel, I’m not having you out on the streets, and if you’re wondering whether my feelings are more than those of a friend, then yes they are, but they’re going to be. We’ve been through so much together, it’s only natural we have a strong bond, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.’

Roz allowed him to slip his hand into hers. Why on earth was she letting herself worry over what others thought when she had a real gem like Felix by her side? She came to a decision. ‘Thanks, Felix, I appreciate your word as a gentleman, and as for the gossips, well, I’m used to that after living with the Haggartys.’

When they had finished their picnic, they went for a walk past the Liver Building, where they popped in to see if anyone had heard from her parents, and to give Roz’s new address. Disappointed to hear there had still been no contact, Roz told Felix that while she was not surprised, it felt good to hand over her new address.

Strolling arm in arm back to the Scottie, Felix wondered just how long he could keep up the pretence that he only saw Roz as a very dear friend. He knew that she had seen through him, and so would others. He drew a deep breath. If he wanted the best for Roz, which he did, he would keep up the pretence for as long as necessary, because even if he couldn’t express his love for her, this was the next best thing and he wasn’t going to do anything to jeopardise that.

CHAPTER FIVE

July 1940

Roz sat on the steps to the flat above the ironmonger’s, tears seeping between her lids. How could it have all gone so wrong at the last minute? They had started the day in celebration of Felix turning eighteen. Roz had made an eggless sponge cake as her gift which, despite her reservations, had turned out well. She had gone off to work with a spring in her step, knowing that when she returned she would be moving into her new home with Felix. Or at least that had been the plan. In reality it had been very different. She thought now that she should have realised it wasn’t going to be a good day when Mabel’s mother had come to say that Mabel wouldn’t be able to work as she was laid up with a tummy bug.