Roz placed her sandwich on her knee. ‘Do you think people will talk when they see that two young people of the opposite sex are living together?’

Felix shrugged nonchalantly, but Roz had seen his bottom jaw clench. ‘Who cares if they do?’

‘Me for one,’ said Roz truthfully, ‘not because I take heed of gossip, but I know the harm it can do, and I’ve had enough judgement because of my religion. I don’t want to set tongues wagging because we’ll be living together.’

‘We’re not doing anything wrong,’ said Felix, although Roz noticed he was quick to avert his gaze as he spoke. ‘It would be different if we were romantically involved.’

‘I know that, but they don’t, do they?’ she said, thinking that they would only have to see the way Felix looked at her to question the relationship.

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.