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along to the match on Saturday.”
    â€œPoor Jem, having to watch a game of rugby.” Carla, who liked her creature comforts, shuddered and unwrapped a caramel wafer. “I can’t imagine anything more horrible.”
    â€œBut that’s not the point. She’s making more friends all the time. And before you know it, she’ll be meeting their friends,” Ginny explained. “Once you start, it just carries on growing.”
    Carla couldn’t help herself. “As the bishop said to the actress.”
    â€œSo last night I decided that’s what I should do too. Here’s this lovely house with only me in it and that’s such a waste. So I’m going to advertise for—”
    â€œA hunky rugby player of your very own! Gin, that’s a fabulous idea! Or better still, a whole team of hunky rugby players.”
    â€œSorry to be so boring,” said Ginny, “but I was thinking of a female. And preferably not the rugby playing kind. Just someone nice and normal and single like me. Then we can go out and do stuff together like Jem and Lucy do. I’ll meet her friends, she’ll meet mine, and we can socialize as much as we want. And when we don’t feel like going out, we can relax in front of the TV, just crack open a bottle of wine, and have a good gossip.”
    Carla pretended to be hurt. Inwardly, she felt a bit hurt. “You mean you’re going to advertise for a new friend? But I thought I was your friend. I love cracking open bottles of wine! I’m great at gossip!”
    â€œI know that. But you already have your life exactly the way you want it,” Ginny patiently pointed out.
    â€œYou’ll like her better than you like me!” Carla clutched her hand to her chest. “The two of you will talk about me behind my back. When I turn up on your doorstep, you’ll say, ‘Actually, Carla, it’s not really convenient right now. Doris and I are just about to crack open a bottle of wine and have a good old girly gossip. ’”
    â€œFine.” Ginny held up her paint-smeared palms. “I give in. You can be my new lodger.”
    Now Carla was genuinely horrified. “You must be joking! I don’t want to live with you! No thanks, I like my own space.”
    â€œWell, exactly. But I don’t. I hate it,” Ginny said simply. “I’m used to having someone else around the house. And as soon as I get this room redecorated, I can go ahead and advertise.” Brightening, she added, “And now you’re here, fancy giving me a hand with the painting?”
    â€œAre we still friends?”
    â€œAbsolutely.”
    â€œIn that case I’m sure you’ll understand,” said Carla, “when I say I’d rather eat raw frogs than give you a hand with the painting. Why don’t you just lend me your hairdryer and I’ll leave you to it? Too many cooks and all that.”
    Ginny grinned as Carla rose to her feet and brushed wafer crumbs from her perfect black trousers. “Except you’ve never cooked anything in your life.”
    â€œAh, but I have other talents.” Carla experienced a rush of affection and gave Ginny a hug. “And you’re not allowed to replace me. If a lodger’s what you want, then that’s great. But I’m your best friend and don’t you forget it.”
    Â 

Chapter 6
    â€œYou don’t have to do this, you know.” Jem smiled at Davy Stokes, who had taken to dropping into the Royal Oak before closing time and walking her home after her shift.
    â€œI know, but it’s practically on my way.” Davy shrugged and said mildly, “Sorry, is it embarrassing? I won’t do it if you’d rather I didn’t.”
    â€œDon’t be daft. It’s nice having someone to talk to. And when my boots are pinching my toes,” Jem added because her new boots were undoubtedly designed to be admired rather than worn to work