‘D’you think he’s going to quit?’ Selina asked mildly.

‘Here’s hoping.’

There was a pause. ‘Thank you for sticking up for me again. I’m not a lesbian,’ Selina said. ‘I mean I wouldn’t be ashamed if I was. It’s just, I was only asking you out as a friend.’ Her cheeks went a little red and Ash felt even worse about lying to her about being busy tonight.

No, to be fair she was busy – just not with going out. She had to go home and finish off the wedding dress designs.

‘That’s okay. Us sane elves need to stick together.’ She frowned as she heard that back and realised that out of context that sounded anything but sane.

‘And that’s us, right?’ Selina asked, looking like she wanted to laugh.

‘Oh yeah, definitely.’ Ash nodded solemnly and then they both started laughing.

And as they set about finishing the tidy-up, sharing the work that Darren had left behind, a little part of Ash wished shecouldhave said yes to Selina because putting yourself out there to try and form a friendship was nerve-racking and Selina seemed like she could use a friend here.

And, she supposed, so could she.