‘You really think that? Honestly?’

‘I really do. I promise you. Thank you for helping bring my book to life in such a beautiful way.’

Eyes already filling with tears spilled over and she flung her arms around my neck, whispering the words, ‘Thank you.’ I hugged her back and once again felt what a surreal world I was experiencing. One of the most highly paid actresses in the world was thanking me for telling her that she’d done a wonderful job. Definitely not a position I ever thought I’d find myself in, but one that I suddenly felt grateful for, allowing me to give a genuine compliment to a young woman whom you’d never suspect would require such reassurance. But her expression showed that the simple words I spoke to her resonated and gave her confidence I hadn’t expected her to need. Perhaps we all wear a mask at times. The prospect of coming tonight had terrified me and that terror still hadn’t completely left me, but this moment made me glad that I had forced myself and that Jack had been so steady and supportive, along with my family.

‘You’re coming to the party, right?’

‘I… err…’

‘Yes, she is,’ Zinnia answered for me.

‘Great!’ Bella said, glancing over her shoulder and raising a hand to someone. ‘I have to go but I’ll catch up with you again there.’ I nodded and then she was gone.

I looked up at Jack, feeling the beaming smile on my face.

‘Happy?’

‘Yes,’ I replied, laughing. ‘I can’t help thinking this is all some sort of dream and I’m going to wake up shortly.’

‘Before you do, let’s get to that party. I want to make sure I get a dance with a famous author.’

‘Oh, shush,’ I said taking the arm he offered as we headed out in a small group towards the fleet of black cars that would be whisking people to the various parties. I had no idea which one we were going to, but right now, I didn’t care. To my utter astonishment, I was actually enjoying myself. Jack was very much helping that. He wasn’t intrusive, never barged into any of the conversations, he just stood there, being polite and making small talk when needed as well as being a silent, steady rock of support for me, and I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to repay him for that.

The party was loud, colourful, exciting and eye-opening. The team that had helped make this book what it was, along with Jack, all had far too much champagne, and a wonderful time together. I had laughed more this evening than I had done in what felt like a decade. After Mike died, I didn’t think I would ever laugh again, and then on the odd occasion that I did, it felt disloyal to the man I had loved so very much. It was silly to feel like that, I knew that in my heart, but I was unable to let go. And then it was almost as though I forgot how to laugh.