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It was just … she felt a little left out of conversations like this these days. If only she could sort out her feelings for Brody. If only he would ask her out.
    â€œI think we should stop talking about our love lives now,” said Polly, catching sight of the expression on Rhi’s face.
    The others looked guilty. Rhi flushed. “Oh, please don’t do that,” she begged. “I like hearing about you guys. You heard enough about me and Max over the years.”
    â€œMax is history,” said Eve with a wave of her hand. “We’re more interested in you and Guitar Hero these days. How are you getting along?”
    Rhi flushed even more as all three of her friends fixed her with beady eyes.
    â€œBrody?” she stammered. “Oh, you know. We’re just friends.”
    â€œThere was nothing friendly in that kiss you had when you were doing your recording a few weeks ago,” Lila observed.
    Rhi felt hot at the memory. It had been … intense. Especially when Max had come barging in and punched Brody in the jaw. “One moment of madness,” she said weakly. “He’s not interested.”
    Lila pounced. “But you’re interested in him .”
    â€œYes, OK,” Rhi said reluctantly. “I do like him as more than a singing partner. But I don’t think he feels the same way. And anyway…”
    I have other things to think about right now. She didn’t say the words out loud. Her dad’s decision to move out was still too raw to share.
    â€œAnyway what?” said Lila.
    â€œNothing,” Rhi muttered. Her mood was sinking rapidly.
    â€œRhi?” Eve put her hand on Rhi’s sleeve. “We know about your dad.”
    Rhi looked up, startled. “You know what about my dad?”
    â€œWe know he’s moved out,” said Lila. “We’re really sorry.”
    Rhi felt her mouth fall open. “But … how do you know that?”
    Polly looked uncomfortable. “You know Mum works at the estate agents? Your dad went into her office to ask about renting a flat last week. And … you know. I go in his gallery a lot. We talk.”
    Rhi couldn’t take this in. “You knew about my dad moving out before I did?”
    â€œIt’s a small town,” said Eve. She looked wry. “Believe me, I know all about small towns.”
    â€œAnd I know all about surviving divorces,” said Polly. “You’re going to be fine, you know. It’ll be hard to begin with, but you’ll get through it. I did.”
    â€œBetween us, we have all the tools you need for coping,” said Eve.
    â€œDon’t be mad,” Lila said, watching Rhi anxiously. “We just want you to know that we’re here for you. You know, if you need to talk.”
    â€œWe’re here even if you don’t want to talk,” Eve added. “Talking can be a drag sometimes.”
    Polly gave Rhi a tight hug. “How are you feeling?” she said, releasing her.
    The only feeling Rhi could identify right now was gratitude. Wordlessly she held out her arms. Lila and Eve and Polly all crowded round her for a fierce group hug.
    â€œI’m OK,” she said, when she released them. “For now anyway.”
    â€œGood,” said Lila with a nod. “This calls for cake.”
    â€œAnd ice cream,” Eve added.
    â€œAnd sprinkles,” Polly said. “And cheesy music and some serious toenail painting.”
    Rhi burst out laughing. “I love you guys.”

EIGHT
    After only a few hours’ sleep on Lila’s floor, Rhi staggered outside into the Sunday morning sunshine. The others were still out cold, but Rhi had an appointment that she had no intention of missing.
    She had brought her guitar with her to the sleepover. If she’d had to go back home to fetch it, she had a nasty feeling her mother would have forbidden her from leaving the house again. An image of her revision notes lying