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“That would be great.” Hazel smiled. It had been a long time since she’d seen cash. Everyone she knew used their cards. Maybe Josie had a strict budget and using cash was a way to keep an eye on her spending. Hazel let it go, but she filed it away for later.

“Maribel will love these,” Serena called as she hurried over to them. The picture books had mermaids all over the covers.

Josie moved aside so Serena could pay for her books. She headed to the door and motioned that she would wait outside.

While Serena paid, Hazel debated quickly grabbing the self help book. But before she had the chance, Serena was taking a brown paper bag from the salesperson. She followed Serena outside and together they all headed over to Bird & Book.

The café was busy, and Hazel waved to Georgia as she passed their table. Georgia smiled cheerfully at her as she continued collecting cutlery and clearing plates. Eventually, she made her way over to the table to take their order. Serena and Hazel chose salads while Josie opted for a veggie burger. The new friends chatted about fashion and celebrities while they waited for their food.

“Mmm, this is delicious.” Hazel sighed with contentment after her salad had been placed in front of her. Grabbing a fork, she stabbed some lettuce, tomato and grilled chicken. “I love the dressing!”

Serena nodded. “So good when the tomatoes aren’t too crunchy, but aren’t too soft. These are perfect.”

Josie had demolished her burger before Hazel and Serena had even made a dent in their salads. Abruptly leaving the table, Josie made her way to the front cabinet. She was soon followed back to the table by Georgia, who was carrying a plate with a slice of chocolate cake. The wedge of cake had been perfectly cut and was served with a tiny jug of warm chocolate sauce and a dollop of fresh cream dotted with vanilla seeds. A small cluster of mixed fresh berries rested against the side of the cake. As Georgia placed the cake on the table, she apologised to Hazel. “Sorry the presentation of your cake the other day was a little less, uh, well was non-existent actually. We were closing!” Georgia chuckled.

“Don’t worry, Georgia, I understand. It was delicious, which is the most important thing, right?” Hazel replied.

“Of course. I just wanted to come over and personally apologise!” Georgia winked and hurried away to clear another table.

“Wow, Josie, that looks amazing!” Serena said as she took out her phone. “I want to take a picture.”

Josie pushed the plate forward, and Serena took the snap. Serena had captured a shot of the cake; Josie’s face and body filled the background.

“I’m posting this on social, it that okay with you Josie?” Serena asked carefully, remembering the strange reaction from the night before.

“Can I see the picture, please?” Josie asked, hand outstretched for Serena’s phone. Serena passed it over. Josie’s face darkened as she realised she was in the photo.

“Can you crop me out?” Josie replied, her voice shaky.

“It’s okay, I won’t post it,” Serena replied gently.

“Are you okay, Josie?” Hazel asked with a small smile.

Josie sighed. Her brow furrowed as her eyes narrowed. “I haven’t told anyone this. Nobody knows.” Josie pushed a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. They sat in silence, long enough for it to become awkward. Josie looked like she was going to speak at any moment but would continuously stop herself.

“Josie, it’s okay. You don’t have to say anything if you aren’t ready,” Hazel said quietly, trying to be reassuring.

“I feel like I need to get it out.” Josie could feel her face getting hot, so she started to fan herself with her hand. “I truly feel like I can trust you both. Hazel, we really clicked at the jewellery class, and Serena, I already know you’re the type of friend who’d be there through thick and thin.”

Hazel nodded. “That’s Serena to her core.” She felt a pang of guilt that she hadn’t been there for Serena through the thick of losing Jack. Her eyes shot a quick glance at Serena, who gave her a reassuring smile. She shook her head slightly, as if she knew exactly what Hazel was thinking.

Turning to Josie, Serena said, “We think you’re great, but we can tell something is bothering you. We just want to help.”

Josie smiled at them. “I haven’t had anyone to talk to for a while. You’ve probably noticed.” She gave a little laugh, then sighed deeply. “Okay, here goes. I came from Melbourne, but I’m not from there. Perth, actually.” Josie glanced at Serena. “I’ve been running. Running for years. And I’d really like to stop.” Josie took a deep breath as Hazel and Serena stared at her.

“Do you mind if we do this back at your place, Hazel?” Josie asked.

“Of course. Do you want me to get your cake packed up?”

“Maybe we can just share it?” Josie smiled bleakly as she pushed the plate forward. Hazel and Serena smiled back in agreement, each taking a fork from the little jar in the centre of the table.

The three women sat in the lounge room of the old cottage. Hazel had been desperate to hear what Josie had to say but had held her tongue until they arrived back at her mother’s place. She could tell Serena felt the same way. Both of them had tried to keep a lighthearted conversation going, mostly talking about changes to the town since they’d both left as teenagers. Josie had listened appreciatively, still gathering the courage she needed to finally tell her story.

Josie had picked Bailey up as she walked into the house, carrying him to the armchair in the corner of the lounge room. He sat on her lap and fell asleep, tired from being in the yard with Molly all morning. Molly had greeted the girls when they arrived, then retreated to her studio to paint. Josie stroked Bailey’s furry back.

“Ready?” she asked. Hazel and Serena looked at each other and nodded.

“As I said, I’ve never told anyone about this. And earlier, when I said I felt a connection with you, Hazel, that was the truth. I really do. I’ve never felt close enough to anyone, or even safe enough to say anything. But for some reason, against my better judgment, really, I feel like it’s time. I’m trusting you both, completely.” Josie paused, then pulled at her hair, the blonde strands falling away. Josie placed the wig over Bailey, covering him completely.