Page 40 of A Secret Escape

“She’s great. She’s staying with my mother at the moment while her roof is fixed, but she’s hardly ever there. She hikes with a group four times a week.” Milly adjusted the heat under the pan and added the chicken. “We could do that if you like?”

“You’re suggesting we hike with eighty-year-olds?” Nicole smiled at the thought and Milly laughed too.

“That wasn’t what I had in mind, but it would be interesting. Alternatively we could pick a quiet trail where no one will see you.”

Nicole was tempted, but she knew that this brief thaw in their friendship might not last once she’d said everything that needed to be said. “Let’s see how things go.” She watched as Milly fried chicken breasts, rinsed salad leaves and mixed a dressing.

“So are you and Joel . . .” She let the sentence hang, and Milly glanced at her.

“What?”

“Together. You obviously know each other well. You don’t have to answer that if you don’t want to.”

“Together? You mean romantically?” Milly laughed and turned her attention back to the chicken. “No. There’s nothing romantic between us. I mean, he’s great. I’m fond of him. But he’s more like a brother.And honestly, the last thing I want or need is more emotional complication. I can’t handle any more rejection.”

Nicole could sympathize with that sentiment, but it made her want to strangle Richard.

She wanted to find out more about how Milly was coping, but at that moment Zoe reappeared.

“Something smells good. Is it nearly ready? I’m starving.”

“You’re always starving,” Milly said. “Can you check the croutons for me?”

Zoe opened the oven and sniffed. “Mm. They smell delicious.”

“Give them a shake and check they’re not burning.”

Zoe grabbed an oven glove, pulled out the tray and shook it. “They look fine. Five more minutes.”

“Enough time for you to lay the table. We’re eating outside. Do you have homework?”

“Yes, but I can do it after we’ve eaten. How about you? How was work?” Zoe grabbed cutlery and plates from the cupboard. “How did the interviews go? Did you find anyone good?”

“One person. It all helps. You know how short-staffed we are.”

“I can help on the weekend if you like.”

“That’s thoughtful of you, but I’m sure we’ll manage. Won’t you be seeing Cally?”

“Not sure if she’s around.”

Nicole watched the two of them together, envying the ease of their interaction and their close bond. She’d never had that sort of relationship with her mother. The only person she’d ever felt that close to was Milly.

Her life was so busy, so demanding, that it was only in the past few weeks that she’d realized how lonely she was.

She had no one. And being part of this family, even if it was only for a short time, made her question her life.

They sat round the table on the deck, enjoying the food and conversation. The breeze created ripples on the surface of the water, and the air was fresh and clean.

It was all very relaxed and easy until Zoe asked Nicole what role she was playing next.

That question was difficult to answer, so Nicole simply smiled, grateful for her acting ability.

“I’m taking a short break. Still weighing up my options. How about you? Congratulations on getting that part inA Midsummer Night’s Dream. You’re going to be brilliant! How’s it going?”

“Okay, thanks.” Zoe ate quickly and then put her fork down. “I need to do my homework. I’ll leave you two to catch up, and I’ll see you later.”

Milly frowned. “But you haven’t seen Nicole in ages and—”

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