Stopping, Joyce introduced Bernie’s parents to Roz.

‘Sorry we weren’t here to greet you,’ said Helen, ‘but our Bernie assures us you’re being well taken care of.’

It had been all Joyce could do to stop herself from giggling. The approving looks from Helen and the broad grin of her husband had made it obvious that Bernie had told them all about Roz, and he had obviously spoken highly of her, giving his parents a very good impression indeed.

Now, Roz eyed her friend through suspicious eyes. ‘What do you mean, his mam passed comment?’

‘Said that since he’d started working with us, he wasn’t a miserable so-and-so in the mornings any more.’ She grinned. ‘I got the impression she put that down to you.’

‘Maybe,’ said Roz, trying to appear nonchalant, ‘or maybe he’s discovered he prefers working with people who aren’t drooling all over him.’

‘Oh-ho! Do I detect an air of envy?’

‘Not at all!’ scoffed Roz. ‘Besides, if what you’re saying is true, what have I to be envious of?’

‘The fact that you can’t drool over him, because you’re spoken for?’ Joyce suggested.

‘I,’ said Roz loftily, ‘wouldn’t drool over him whether spoken for or not! It’s unseemly.’

‘Get you!’ laughed Joyce, but to Roz’s annoyance she added, ‘I’d believe you, only I’ve caught you watching him …’ She waved Roz into silence as she started to protest. ‘I’m not saying you were drooling, but don’t pretend you don’t fancy the pants off him, because I shan’t believe you.’

Roz puffed out her chest to protest, then thought better of it. What was the point? She did fancy him, very much so, but was that such a bad thing? She glanced shyly at Joyce. ‘Do you think it’s wrong of me?’

‘Wrong?’ said Joyce, looking surprised. ‘Why would it be wrong? You can’t help who you’re attracted to! If you acted upon your feelings without sorting things out with Felix first, then that would be out of order, but looking? Nah, there’s no harm in that.’

‘Then why do I feel like there is?’ said Roz miserably. She looked up guiltily. ‘I remember my mother talking about a woman who lived down our street. Her husband had been having an affair and my mother said he couldn’t have loved her in the first place otherwise he’d not have eyes for anyone else. That’s why it’s wrong!’

Seeing tears begin to form in her friend’s eyes, Joyce hastened to Roz’s side. ‘Don’t be so silly,’ she soothed. ‘There’s a world of difference between finding someone attractive and being in love with them. I wish I hadn’t opened my big mouth; I didn’t realise you felt so strongly …’

‘That’s the problem,’ said Roz, fishing her handkerchief from her trouser pocket. ‘I love Felix with all my heart, but every time I see Bernie, my feelings get brought into question. I love being with him, spending time together; he makes me laugh, and he’s so caring, Joyce,’ she put her head in her hands, ‘which is why I’m so confused.’