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‘It’s one we saw when—’ She blushed. ‘Well, when we were fake dating. But it’s perfect – in Spitalfields, and an actual house! But the catch is, we might have to wait a few months to move in, as the current owners still need to buy.’

‘Wow.’ All of Ellie’s dreams were coming true, and no one deserved this more than her beautiful friend. But Hannah was feeling left behind – which was ironic considering she’d been the first to go.

Had part of it shown on her face? It must have, because Ellie’s face softened with sympathy and then she quickly changed the subject. ‘Anyway, how about you and sunny Australia? Which do you prefer, the Gold Coast or Sydney? Any idea where you want to settle yet? Or are you going to try out somewhere else first?’

Hannah knew she was only curious and wanted to soften the blow of her own happily ever after, but the truth was Hannah still had no idea where to go next, and she found it really unsettling. The film job would only last so long. Was she building a new life here, only to give it up again in a few more weeks? Was she running away from one mess to another?

Hannah took a long sip of her drink and tried to focus. ‘It’s different. The Gold Coast has more of a laid-back beach vibe – which I love, but it’s not got the same great transport links as Sydney and I’d be further away from my aunt.’ That was an excuse. Part of her was afraid that if the movie franchise was a hit, she’d end up living here only for the few times when Caleb came back out here to work. That wasn’t a fulfilling life; that was purgatory.

‘But nearer your cousin, right?’

‘Yeah, and I love Jules, but…’ Hannah winced, remembering Bianca’s party the other night. It reminded her of going out with her cousin when she’d first arrived, only now she realised how empty that lifestyle made her feel. She’d been a tag-along, not quite part of the group. She’d been the same at Bianca’s party – not part of Caleb’s elite crowd. She, Emma and Zach had clung to each other for most of the night in the tucked away games room like scared children. ‘Jules is in her early twenties, and while I love hanging out with her, I need to build my own friendship groups, especially if I’m going to move out here permanently.’ Hannah felt a little better knowing that she’d tried hard in that area at least; she had friends now, not many, but enough that she no longer felt lonely.

Ellie’s cup paused halfway to her mouth. ‘I thought you’d already made friends out there. What about the girls you lived with back in Sydney?’

Hannah set down her pistachio chiller. Her teeth ached and she wasn’t sure if it was because of the sweetness, the cold of the beverage, or her own embarrassment. ‘They weren’t my friends.’ She might as well confess everything. ‘One of them was subletting my bed without my knowledge.’

‘What?’ screeched Ellie, spitting whipped cream onto the lens, which she had to wipe off with the sleeve of her pyjamas.

‘Yeah. And this job is great, but it’s not forever. When filming ends, I need to find a place to live, as well as a job, or go back to Sydney and move back in with my aunt.’

‘You can always come home,’ suggested Ellie with a hint of hope in her voice.

Hannah bristled. ‘It’s not that bad! At least, not yet.’

‘I’ll try and not take offence to that,’ said Ellie, and Hannah could have kicked herself.

‘I didn’t mean it like that. I—’ She sighed. ‘I felt suffocated in London. My parents, I love them dearly, but they’ve lived in the same area their whole lives. When Mum’s cancer was really bad, she talked about getting a family plot in the cemetery. I didn’t want to live and die in the same place without ever trying anything new or going anywhere else. I want…’

‘More?’ Ellie supplied with a gentle smile. ‘I get it.’

‘Yes, I know you do. But I’m getting more confused by the day. I’m not even sure what more is. A change of place? Lifestyle? Job? I’ve done it all, and…’ I’m still not happy.

‘Have you ever considered what’s missing isn’t any of those things, but a person?’

‘You’re only saying that because you’re loved up with Alex.’ Life and love weren’t that easy. ‘Where’s my favourite Clark Kent tonight anyway?’

‘The theatre, and don’t change the subject. Perhaps you should give dating a go? If nothing else, it might help you make some friends?’

‘I doubt that! And besides, I’ve already tried that too. It didn’t work out. Anyway, all the advice says you’ve got to love yourself first before anyone else can love you, right?’

‘Right. But what’s not to love? You’re a bloody delight,’ said Ellie with an exasperated sigh.

Hannah chuckled. ‘Thanks.’

‘I saw your last douchebag commented on one of your posts, had to stop myself from replying and calling him out.’

‘I was tempted to do the same.’ Hannah laughed, relieved to have someone to talk to about Patrick that understood. ‘But then I thought, what’s the point? Everyone loves him. I didn’t want to look like an ex with sour grapes.’

Ellie’s face grew serious. ‘Can I ask you something? Why didn’t you tell me about Dick Down Under? You know, before, when you were still together? You never mentioned him until after Alex and I were officially together.’

Hannah sucked in a deep breath. ‘It’s Pat Down Under.’

‘Whatever.’ Ellie knew full what his correct handle was and didn’t give a damn.

‘Honestly, at first, I didn’t want to rub your nose in it – my new life, being in love and wanting to settle down with him in Sydney. After all I’d done to you, left you behind, took my half of the flat deposit – all so that I could selfishly travel and find myself. I dunno, falling in love straight away and gloating about it felt – well, shitty. Then, when it all fell apart between us, I realised how stupid I’d been. Falling head over heels with someone I barely knew – planning a future, only to realise he’d had no intention of sticking around. How idiotic is that? Sometimes I think it was all a weird fever dream.’

‘When you fall in love, you fall fast and hard. There is nothing wrong with that. He just wasn’t right for you.’