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Tower on Kerry’s mantelpiece, alongside a collection of iridescent shells they’d acquired on holiday together two years earlier. How well she remembered both those holidays, but for very different reasons …
    When Kerry entered the room again, carrying an openedbottle of wine and two glasses, Laura pointed to the plastic Eiffel Tower.
    ‘I’m amazed you’ve kept that old thing – it’s awful, isn’t it? But I was only eleven when I brought it back for you.’
    Kerry smiled. ‘I remember missing you so much while you were away with your family, and wishing I could be there too.’ She grimaced. ‘I suppose it’s also a symbol of happier, carefree times …’
    ‘Yes, that was the last family holiday Mum, Dad, Pete and I ever had,’ Laura said softly. She glanced at the shells. ‘And I’ll never forget that scuba diving holiday either – if it hadn’t been for you, I’d definitely have drowned.’
    Kerry shook her head, looking slightly embarrassed. ‘It was nothing – anyone would have done what I did.’
    ‘Well, thank goodness you were there – I don’t know why I suddenly felt so weak and disoriented that day, but if you hadn’t realised something was wrong, and guided me back up to the boat, I wouldn’t have survived. You saved my life.’ Kerry smiled, sitting down on the sofa beside her. ‘Well, that’s what friends are for. Anyway, what’s made you feel maudlin all of a sudden?’
    ‘I don’t know,’ Laura admitted. ‘I have this uneasy feeling that I just can’t shake off – maybe I’m afraid that something’s going to happen to Jeff. I love him so much, Kerry! I’d die if anything happened to him.’
    Kerry smiled, hoping to lighten the atmosphere. ‘Maybe those rose-tinted spectacles of yours are over-developing your psychic abilities,’ she teased. ‘I can just see you – Madame Laura, the world’s greatest psychic! Perhaps you should give up the day job and get yourself a crystal ball instead?’
    Laura grinned, leaning across to give her friend a playful dig. ‘Very funny. Okay, I’m probably just being paranoid but, as the saying goes, that still doesn’t mean they’re not out to get me!’
    Kerry looked suddenly serious. ‘I’m sure that fear is part and parcel of being in love with someone,’ she said gently, thinking uncharitably to herself that if Jeff vanished off the face of the earth, it would be the best thing that ever happened to Laura. But she didn’t dare give voice to her opinion.
    Noticing tears in Laura’s eyes, she reached out and hugged her. ‘Oh, cheer up, you old worrier,’ she said affectionately. ‘Nothing’s going to happen to Jeff! Why not look forward to the meal he’s taking us for tomorrow night? By the way, I’m wearing my new red dress, so don’t you dare wear anything that’ll clash with my outfit!’
    Laura nodded, making a visible attempt to cheer up. ‘Okay, I’ll wear my blue dress. And yes, I’m really looking forward to Chez Jacques – it’s Jeff’s favourite restaurant. They’re aware of his allergy there, so he can depend on them to make sure his food is peanut-free.’
    ‘It’s pricey too, isn’t it?’ Kerry said, grinning. ‘But then, I guess stockbrokers make lots of money! I love a night out when someone else is paying!’
    ‘Well, Jeff wants to thank you for all the help you gave us organising the wedding,’ Laura told her. ‘You’ve been a marvellous friend, and Jeff really appreciates your kindness, too.’
    Does he now, Kerry thought sarcastically to herself. She was well aware that Jeff didn’t like her any more than she liked him, and it would have been Laura who’d urged him to make the gesture. But she accepted the compliment as Laura intended. ‘I was glad to help,’ she replied.
    Pouring wine into the two glasses, Kerry passed one to Laura. ‘Now, let me see these wonderful wedding pictures – I hope the photographer didn’t catch me in any compromising situations?’
    Laura