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said nothing. Instead, they walked back to their table with a promise to meet for drinks soon, Nicola Sheen avoiding my gaze.
    I couldn’t wait.
    I took a slug of wine, refilled my glass to the top and hoped my food arrived soon. I was desperate to turn my head and get a good look at Nicola, but I knew I couldn’t.
    Nicola Bloody Sheen. Engaged to Melanie Bloody Taylor.
    Holly was not going to believe this, and truth be told, neither did I.
    I hadn’t planned on getting drunk tonight, but now there seemed no other option. I downed my wine in a few gulps and ordered another large glass of red from the waiter. I didn’t care how I looked anymore or what else could happen tonight — the roof of my world was already sagging to the point of near collapse. I’d been deserted on a date, fallen asleep with my trousers down and had just bumped into my first love, who was engaged to my friend. Isn’t it ironic?
    I made a mental note to call Alanis Morissette and see what she thought.

 
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 7
     
     
    Saturday December 3rd
     
    Holly had to stop walking, she was laughing so much. “You didn’t?”
    I nodded. “I did. I woke myself up dribbling.” I smirked. “And it’s not funny, by the way.”
    Holly’s laughter begged to differ. “It’s kinda funny, you have to admit. You go on a date and fall asleep in the toilet? That is the stuff of legend.” She snorted. “I did tell you to slow down with these dates, but I thought you could take three in a week. Clearly I was wrong.”
    We were walking around our local park, and it was another beautifully sunny day. To our right, barren trees lined the path ahead. To our left, a group of carol singers were belting out ‘Jingle Bells’ with gusto. I dropped a pound coin into their collecting bucket as we passed and it hit the bottom with a thud.
    “You were. Perhaps I’m developing narcolepsy like in that film. Whatever it is, this is going to seriously dent my lesbian kerb appeal.” I kicked a stone and it hit a nearby tree.
    Holly chuckled, her grey woollen bobble-hat waggling as she walked. “It’s not ideal.”
    I pouted at her and sighed. “We’re into December now and the girlfriend quest isn’t improving, is it? Ruby was a dud, Anna couldn’t leave me quick enough, then on the third… well, you know the rest.”
    Holly put an arm around me and squeezed. “You’re being impatient, you just need to relax and give it time. Romance doesn’t just knock on your door — that only happens in those films you love. Romance, like anything worthwhile, takes time and you need to give it space to breathe. You might bump into Sienna again and you’ll live happily ever after. You just never know.”
    I raised an eyebrow in Holly’s direction.
    She smiled. “Long shot, but it might happen.” She paused, looking away. “Or you might get together with someone you never even thought of. Someone on your doorstep, or someone who’s just about to walk into your life.”
    I sat down on a park bench dedicated to a man called Fred — his plaque said he’d loved sitting there, and I could see the appeal. From this bench, the views of the surrounding area were laid out as far as the eye could see.
    “Funny you should say that — there’s more,” I told Holly as she sat down next to me.
    “What?”
    “Last night,” I began. “After Sienna left, I was still hungry. So I ordered some food.” I paused. “And bear in mind, this is just after I’ve woken up with my trousers down and just after I’ve smeared mascara across my face to look like a crazy raccoon lady.”
    “Good image,” Holly replied, snorting.
    I put my head in my hands just thinking about it, then started to laugh. “Yeah so, I’m sitting there looking gorgeous. Then just before my food arrives, guess who walks up to my table when I’m sitting there like a loser, dining alone?”
    “Who?”
    “Melanie Taylor.”
    I had Holly’s interest now. She spread her hands on her jeans