Barry’s expression was tense.
Ros shook her head. ‘No, I’m not taking the overseas job.’
‘Thank heavens for that!’ Darla wrapped her in a big hug and squeezed her tight. ‘I’m over the flipping moon. I’ve tried to stay mad at you but it’s really hard. And I proper missed you.’
‘It’s only been two days.’
‘Still two days too long,’ said Darla, giving her friend another hug. ‘And now you can help me with my business and it won’t fail. Hurray!’
‘I’ll do my best.’ Ros was already feeling that she’d definitely made the right choice.
Barry waited his turn. ‘I’m pleased you’re staying. But only if you’re sure it’s what you want to do.’ He watched closely for her response. The parallel to her mother’s life choices had not passed Ros by. The thought that she was about to repeat her mother’s mistake had been the cold hard reality check she’d needed.
‘I decided I wanted to be around both of you more than I wanted to get away from... everything else. You are the most important things in my life and I’m sorry it took all of this for me to see that.’
‘Don’t beat yourself up,’ said Barry.
‘The universe works in mysterious ways,’ added Darla with a wise nod.
‘I’ve already contacted the other company who were lovely about it and said if things change I should get in touch. And then my boss called me in, said he’d heard rumours that I’d been head-hunted. I confirmed that was true and he offered me a pay rise and a bigger remit.’
‘So it’s all worked out for the best,’ said Barry. ‘I am pleased.’
‘Yes,’ said Ros. Although it didn’t feel that way. She missed Cameron. There was a big Cameron-shaped hole in her life – he was going to take a lot to get over.
‘Brilliant, what’s for dinner?’ asked Darla.
‘I’m making paella. And there’s fizz chilling in the fridge.’
‘Lovely,’ said Barry.
‘Hang on. Is this Cameron’s famous recipe?’ asked Darla.
Ros nodded.
Darla smiled at her. ‘Then we’re in for a treat.’
***
Barry popped the cork of the champagne, which made Gazza bark and while Ros was serving up Darla tried to encourage Barry onto the balcony. ‘Come and look at the view,’ she said.
‘I know. I have been here before,’ he said with a laugh.
‘Barry,’ she hissed as she grabbed his arm. ‘Come outside.’ Sometimes men needed the unsubtle approach.
‘Oh, okay.’ Barry followed her onto the balcony and Darla pulled the door to. As soon as she had done that Gazza came to paw on the other side. ‘For goodness’ sake,’ she said, letting him join them.
‘Is everything all right?’ asked Barry.
‘I don’t think so but I don’t know how to fix it,’ she said in hushed tones. ‘I was hoping you could help.’
‘What’s wrong?’ he asked.
‘I think Ros and Cameron like each other for real but he’s gone home to ask some girl he’s not dated for years to marry him. And Ros is here, moping.’
‘I know,’ said Barry. ‘Those two were made for each other. They need their heads banging together.’ Darla and Barry both peered through the glass door to see Ros watching them with a furrowed brow. They both grinned at her and turned away quickly.
Darla pointed excitedly at the boats in the marina so that Ros wouldn’t be too suspicious. ‘I just think maybe there’s something we can do.’
