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Hazel was equally flummoxed. “I have absolutely no idea. Maybe she had a bad experience on social media?”

“It was weird, whatever it was.”

“I probably should have mentioned that she was pretty quiet and withdrawn at the jewellery class. I honestly just thought she was shy. But it seems there is definitely more to it. I really think she needs a friend though.”

“Yeah, I agree. Well, let’s just tread carefully and be kind and supportive. If she decides to open up, then we can maybe help her through it?

“Let’s hope.” Hazel paused. “Maybe something happened to her, and she has some trauma?”

“We’ve all got trauma of some sort,” Serena murmured, and she stood up to help Hazel clear the dishes.

“Does ten tomorrow work for you? We can meet here and walk?” Hazel asked as she carried the wooden pizza boards to the kitchen.

“Yeah, ten is great. Make sure you send the details to Josie.”

“Of course.”

They chatted about Maribel as they tidied up. Hazel walked Serena to her car and waved her off from the railing on the verandah.

“Drive safe!” Hazel called.

Serena blew Hazel a kiss, and Hazel waved in return.

Hazel headed back inside once Serena’s headlights had disappeared. She saw a message from Josie on her phone.

Josie: Sorry for how I left. Personal thing. Thanks again for a lovely night. Please let me know the time and place for shopping tomorrow.

Hazel: Totally fine Josie. Meet here at ten x

Josie: Thank you. I appreciate your understanding. See you then x

Hazel smiled at her phone as she locked the front door and headed upstairs. She showered in the new bathroom, admiring Sam’s handiwork. Changing into her pyjamas, she completed her skincare and padded into her room. The tulips on her bedside table made her smile as she climbed into bed. She saw a new message on her phone.

Sam: How was your girls’ night?

Hazel: Good thank you. We had pizza and chocolate covered strawberries. How was your night?

Sam: It was alright. Tomorrow night will be better :)

Hazel: I’m looking forward to it

Sam: Can’t wait. Hope you have a good sleep xx

Hazel: You too xx

Hazel felt warmth rise in her chest, but it was quickly tinged with bitterness. It felt like her brain was constantly at war with her heart. Hazel didn’t want to let herself get drawn into the internal battle going on in her mind, so she put her phone down and switched off the light. Luckily for her, falling asleep easily was a skill she possessed.

CHAPTER SIX

Hazel woke as the sun rose. She instantly thought of Sam. He was working another job that week, and she was initially disappointed when she remembered he wouldn’t be around the house. But they had dinner plans that night, so her mood perked back up. She instantly felt the familiar pit in her stomach, guilt about her feelings for Sam. The battle between her heart and her brain continued on.

Hopping out of bed, Hazel climbed down the stairs and was delighted to see Bailey sitting patiently in his bed by the front door. He wagged his tail and bounded into the dining room to retrieve his stuffed rabbit. Carrying it over to her in his mouth, he dropped it by her feet. Hazel bent down and gave him a pet. She stroked the soft fur on the top of his head and gave his chin a good scratch. Padding into the kitchen, Bailey trailed at her feet. Hazel began making herself a cup of the crème brûlée tea. She remembered the fresh fruit she and her mother had picked up earlier that week and fetched it from the fridge. Pulling out a chopping board, she began to slice watermelon, strawberries and peaches, arranging the fruit on a marble platter. Hazel was stirring a fresh cup of ginger and liquorice tea when her mother appeared.

“Morning,” Molly mumbled, still half asleep. Hazel smiled and handed her mother the tea. Molly nodded thanks and inhaled the strong scent, sighing with relief as she took a tentative sip. Hazel carried the fruit to the table and sat down. Her mother joined her, and Bailey curled his body around Molly’s feet.

“How was your night?” Molly finally managed after a long sip of tea.

Hazel pierced a watermelon cube with her fork. “It was good. Serena and Josie got along well, until the end.” Hazel paused, then relayed Josie’s reaction to the social media conversation.