Page 88 of A Secret Escape

Remembering it made Connie angry. Alexandra Walker had a great deal to answer for in her opinion.

Milly took a sip of water. “It wasn’t her experience at home, but I’ve always loved her unconditionally. She knows that.”

“Maybe. But I’m guessing her childhood made her feel she had to earn that love, and that it wasn’t unconditional. We all bring the past into the present, whether we are aware of it or not. Your friendship was all fine when things were going well, but this was something different, and she knew it. Perhaps she felt that bond between you had never been tested.”

Milly frowned. “But when she called me asking for help I was there for her, despite the fact she hadn’t been there for me. I showed up, even though I was hurt. She’s been living in my house, and there have been plenty of occasions over the past few weeks when she could have told me the truth, but she didn’t. I’ve been a good friend to her—” She broke off and stared at the table for a moment. Then she gave her mother an agonized look.

“What’s wrong?”

“I picked her up and I gave her sanctuary, but I wasn’t warm. I didn’t—” Milly shredded the tissue with her fingers “—I didn’t hug her or anything. I couldn’t. I was so hurt. I wanted her to know I was upset. Or maybe I was just afraid of being rejected again. I don’t know. But I wasn’t approachable.”

Connie felt sorry for both of them. “And she knew you were upset, and knowing that—”

“She wasn’t going to risk making things worse by telling me the truth.” Milly finished her sentence, and her body seemed to droop. “I did punish her. I didn’t mean to. At least, I did mean to, but I didn’t really think through the impact it might have on her.”

“You were hurt. Nicole ghosting you felt like a rejection. And that probably reminded you of your father.” And Milly’s father was someone she definitely didn’t want to think about right now.

“Bringing the past into the present again.” Milly blew her nose. “Since when have you been a psychologist?”

“It’s called age, dear. It brings wrinkles and aching joints but also a degree of wisdom.” The throb in her head was worse, and Connie took another sip of water. Should she take some headache tablets?

“Do you think I have unrealistic views of friendship? Do I expect too much?”

That was a difficult question to answer even without a headache. “I think all relationships are complicated. People aren’t mind readers, and no one can always do or say the right thing in every situation. And no friend, however good, can be everything to you.”

Milly reached for another tissue. “I know, but I suppose I would have liked her to show up even if she said the wrong thing. Saying the wrong thing is better than saying nothing. It would have been a comfort just to know she was there for me.”

“You have a long and loyal friendship. I’m sure you two will sort this out. Where is Nicole now?”

“Back at the boathouse.” Milly glanced at her phone. “Maybe I should call her. But I don’t really know what to say.”

“Why don’t you both sleep on it and talk about it tomorrow?”

Milly swallowed. “That’s good advice. Thanks for listening. You always make so much sense.” She glanced gratefully at Connie and then frowned. “Mum?”

“What?”

“You looked a little strange, that’s all. Unfocused. Are you sure you’re all right?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I have a bit of a headache, that’s all.” Connie waved a hand dismissively. “I managed to hit a rock when I landed.”

“What?” Milly looked appalled. “Why didn’t you call me? Did you go to the hospital? What did they say?”

“I didn’t need the hospital. Brian very kindly brought me home.”

“He should have taken you to the hospital.” Milly stood up and gently angled her mother’s face so that she could take a closer look. “You have bruising around your eye. How did I not notice that before now?”

“It’s probably only just appeared. Or maybe it’s the light. Don’t fuss, Milly. I’m fine. I was wearing a helmet.”

“You should have said something and not let me go on and on about my problems. I’m going to drive you to the hospital.”

“I’m not going to the hospital. But I think I will have an early night.” Connie stood up, and the room started to spin. She reached out to grab the table.

“Mum?” Milly grabbed her arms firmly and guided her back down to the chair.

This wasn’t good. This wasn’t good at all.

She felt very strange. The world around her was blurred, and she could hear a voice talking to her urgently, but she had no idea where she was or what was going on.

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