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was a good thing Vane had disappeared. With her blonde hair attractively tousled and a healthy pink flush to her cheeks, plus the fact that her semi-transparent nightdress revealed a firm young body, he would undoubtedly have had thoughts that would bode no good for Liz.
    ‘And I say get dressed first. For heaven’s sake, Liz, you don’t want Mr Oliver making a grab at you! Because that’s what will happen, I’m sure. He’s a virile man, but far too old, and don’t you forget it.’
    Dimples appeared in Liz’s cheeks. 'I've already seen him. He gave me a good morning kiss, as a matter of fact.’
    Debra’s lips tightened. So much for his promise! ‘You had no right letting him,’ she said fiercely. ‘Sit down. Just this once you can eat breakfast like that, but in future I insist you get dressed. Do you hear?’
    Liz nodded and sat down sulkily. ‘You spoil all my fun.’
    ‘Fun!’ exploded Debra. ‘Playing around with the likes of Vane Oliver isn’t fun—it’s positively dangerous! You really irritate me, Liz. Only a few days ago you were still grieving, now here you are practically shoving yourself at my boss. I’m surprised at you, I really am. If your parents could see you now they’d give you the good hiding you deserve.’
    Biting angrily into a piece of toast, Liz said, ‘I still miss Mummy and Daddy like hell, but you keep telling me life has to go on, so I’m doing my best to snap out of it.’
    ‘The transition period’s so swift, though, Liz, I can’t believe it. If you’re putting on a face you’re making a good job of it, but I don’t think you are, you’re not a good enough actress.
    ‘You think you’ve fallen for Vane Oliver, I’m sure. It’s something that happens to all girls your age—they fall in love with the unattainable, usually a pop star. But for God’s sake don’t throw yourself at him. That’s no way to solve your problems, you’re only inviting more heartache.’
    Liz’s eloquent blue eyes looked across at her friend. ‘Vane and I had a long talk that day he came to the house. His own parents died when he was about my age, so he understands exactly how I feel. The only cure, he said, was to throw myself wholeheartedly into doing something. His ambition was to be a dress designer and he went all out to pass his exams and become a success.’
    Debra eyed her steadily. ‘And what did he advise you to do?’
    ‘Firstly to get away,’ replied Liz, ‘and then to work as hard as I can at my school work. I told him 1 want to be a doctor, like Daddy, and he said he’ll help me all he can.’
    Hence the hero-worship, thought Debra sadly, wondering why he had been so kind to a girl he had just met. She wished she could believe it was an innocent relationship, A true friend like Vane would do Liz good, make up in some way for the loss of her father. But if he was playing about, if his intentions were less than honourable .... Debra clenched her fists and counted to ten.
    ‘Finish your breakfast, Liz,’ she said bitterly. ‘I’ll see you later.’
    ‘Can we go out?’ asked Liz eagerly. ‘Vane said something about a tour of the island.’
    Debra nodded. ‘If you like.’ But she could whip up no enthusiasm. She was annoyed with Vane for breaking his word and kissing Liz. She was annoyed with Liz for flaunting herself. She was annoyed with the world in general. What had promised to be an exhilarating change was turning into a nightmare.
    While waiting for Liz she sauntered out into the gardens. They were filled with beautiful flowers, hibiscus, coxcombs, pinky white bauhinias. Carp lay in the still silvery waters of a pool, swallows skimmed overhead. It was exotic and peaceful, but Debra’s distress was not easily assuaged, and when she saw Vane sitting in the shade of a peach tree her steps quickened.
    He looked up as she approached, smiling encouragingly, and her resolution faltered beneath the warmth of his gaze. She wished he were not so handsome, so