Page 89 of The Village Cafe in the Loire

‘Well, I was. I was at the launch. And it went wonderfully.’

‘That’s great. But?—’

‘But then I realised something. I realised I’d made a terrible mistake.’

‘And you couldn’t tell me, say, in a text message? Or call around in the morning? You had to tell me standing out there in the driving rain?’

‘Is it raining? I didn’t notice!’ Becky said, putting on an American accent and doing a pretty good impression of Andie MacDowell.

Amber smiled. ‘Idiot.’

‘Guilty as charged.’

‘So you’re back? You’re going to stay in London?’

She shook her head. ‘Going to France wasn’t the terrible mistake,’ she clarified. ‘You were right. I ought to take the opportunity. Try things out for a while. I’m lucky. I have the option.’

‘OK? Don’t take this the wrong way, Becky, but have you been drinking?’

Becky let out a bark of laughter. ‘No! Only rainwater, and that’s been accidental.’

Amber leaned on the window. ‘You know I’m always glad to see you right? But you’ve totally lost me.’

Becky sighed, wiped a strand of hair from her eye, looked up again at her friend. ‘I came here tonight because I realised I wanted to spend the rest of my life with someone. And I wanted that to start right now!’ she said.

‘Hang on, isn’t that fromWhen Harry Met Sally?’

Becky thought. ‘Well, not a direct quote. But maybe,’ she admitted. ‘I knew it sounded good in my head.’

‘But seriously, what are you saying? Because I love you, hon, you know that. But not… well, not romantically! Not likethat.’

Becky laughed again, looking, no doubt, completely insane in the driving rain, soaked to the skin in the dark garden. ‘I’m not propositioning you!’ she said. ‘At least, not romantically.’

‘Then what do you mean?’

‘I mean, I don’t work without you, Amber. I never have. And just because we don’t love each other like that, in a physical way, doesn’t mean our love isn’t important.’

‘Of course.’

‘I started thinking about it. I’ve had a lot of time to think over the past little while. Lots of dull plane journeys and quiet moments. And I realised. You’re the most important relationship I’ve ever had. You’re my missing piece.’

‘Oh Becky.’ Amber smiled at her fondly.

‘Well, it’s true!’

‘Well, you’re that person for me too. But I understand you’ve got to do this thing right now. I’m OK with it. I’ll still be here for you.’

Becky shook her head. ‘It’s not enough.’

‘What?’

‘Amber. I’m asking you to come with me.’

‘What? Are you insane?’

‘Never been saner. Come with me! Help run the café for a bit! I’ve thought about it. I’m crap at accounts. You’re an accounting genius. I need you, not just because you’re my best friend but because you’re a math whizz. We can work together, work things out together.’

Amber looked at her. ‘Seriously?’

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