‘I think his instincts just kicked in for a moment. I mean, we all know what Jack was like years ago. Breaking hearts all over the place. Felix just didn’t want you to be another.’

‘You two are the ones who are always saying he’s not like that anymore.’

‘He’s not. You must have noticed that from the time he’s been staying with you.’

‘Well, it’s true he doesn’t really go out much. Quite a few evenings, we both end up in the snug reading.’

‘That’s good. Cosy.’

‘Yeah, it is nice to have some company, even when you’re not talking and… oh, no. Don’t look at me like that.’

‘Like what?’ Poppy’s face was a mask of innocence. I, however, knew better.

‘Like that,’ I said, pointing at her face.

‘I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.’

‘I’m sure you do.’

‘Oh, all right, but come on, it’s not like it would be the worst thing in the world to happen, would it?’

‘It wouldn’t be the best thing either,’ I said. ‘Besides, Jack’s definitely not interested in me like that. We’re friends – most of the time – and that’s plenty for both of us.’

‘If you say so.’

‘I do say so. Now can you help get out of this dress so that I don’t rip it?’

‘Are you going to keep it?’

I turned and looked once more in the mirror. The full-length midnight blue satin dress with its bias cut and soft folds of cowl neck looked demure and elegant from the front. The back, however, was another story, with two thin crossover straps securing the fabric as it dipped in a low enough position to be decent but a heck of a lot lower than I’d ever worn before. Added to that were the thigh-high splits each side of the flowing skirt. So long as I stood still, you couldn’t see anything, but the moment I walked, there was a distinctive and unmistakable flash of leg. But I had to agree with Poppy. I loved the dress. It had been such a long time since I’d put on anything this beautiful or glamorous. I had got so used to relaxed, comfy fit clothing that it felt like a different person staring back at me in the mirror. The party at Jack’s parents’ place had been a smart-casual thing, but this really was a whole other level.

I looked down at where Poppy was perched on a gold-coloured chair in the corner of the lavish dressing room.

‘Poppy!’ I bent down and took her hands in mine. ‘Whatever is the matter?’ I dived into my bag with one hand and passed her a tissue for her eyes, which were shining with tears.

‘Nothing. Nothing at all. It’s all perfect. It’s just that… it sort of feels like I’m seeing you again for the first time in such a long time. The real you.’

I squeezed her hand and then we both caught a glimpse of the expanse of thigh I was now showing in my current position.