‘It’s a different life for sure and I’ve been lucky to see plenty of places.’
‘Are you still living in London?’
‘No, I rented there for a while, but then bought my own place in Windsor.’
Tracy’s eyebrows lifted. ‘With the royals?’
‘Hardly,’ she laughed. ‘I’m in a one-bedroom flat.’
‘With your boyfriend?’
‘Jay has his own place, it’s gorgeous. A Grade II listed townhouse in the same area and we spend most of our time there, but I’ve kept my flat.’
‘Why? Can’t be cheap to run two places.’
‘I suppose I’m a little reluctant to make the leap, in case it doesn’t work out. Pathetic, isn’t it?’
‘Of course not. I guess when it’s right, you’ll know.’
‘He’s been pestering me to move in for ages. I’m thinking I’ll do it in time for Christmas.’ She took out her phone and showed Tracy some photographs of the house, including the one last Christmas with the wreath on the door. Tied in a big red bow, it really did speak of the luxury inside, the place she was almost sure she was ready to call her home too.
‘And what does Jay do?’ Tracy asked.
‘He’s a pilot.’
‘Now him, I approve of.’ A grin spread across Tracy’s face when Melissa showed her a photograph of Jay in his uniform. ‘Is he as nice as he looks?’
‘He really is.’
‘You must miss him.’
‘Of course. We were scheduled to have some time off together last week, but then Harvey got in touch…’ She broke off at the mention of Harvey’s name.
‘You’d never have forgiven yourself if Barney had gone before you saw him again.’
Melissa hid behind her glass sipping her drink, the crisp liquid cooling as the words sank in. ‘You’re a hundred per cent right.’
‘So whydidyou leave it so long?’
‘When I first left I was angry that Harvey didn’t come with me as we always planned. I was upset but then I became determined. I’d wanted to leave for a long time. After my parents died I almost broke apart.’
‘I know.’ She covered Melissa’s hand with her own. ‘Losing a parent is hard and you were hit with a double whammy.’
‘I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when your mum died.’
‘I know you had your reasons.’
‘None good enough not to be there for a friend.’
‘Now you’ll get me all teary in a minute and I don’t want that. And I had Giles and the kids, I wasn’t on my own.’
‘If Barney hadn’t had the fall, I wouldn’t be here now.’
‘I suppose it must be what you call a blessing in disguise then,’ said Tracy. ‘And he’s so glad you’re back. He worried so much for you when you left. But he was also one of the few who didn’t berate you for doing it.’
‘Really?’
‘Some people ranted about it, saying you’d upset him, you’d thrown his goodness in his face. They worried about Harvey, said he was too good for you.’ She stopped.
