“And I guess that’s why I’ve kind of drifted along for the past nine years. After what happened … I couldn’t seem to apply myself to anything with the same vigour as before. Growing up, I’d had dreams of studying art at university and travelling the world to gain inspiration for my own work, but none of that held the same allure.”

“I’m so sorry, Honey. You’ve had a lot to deal with over the years and…” Camilla shook her head, “no wonder you found it difficult at Dawnie’s this morning being around the baby.”

“Please don’t think I’m not delighted for her and Rick.”

“I don’t, not at all. I feel sorry for you having gone through such pain. Yet you’ve been so strong.”

“I’m not strong. I went through what millions of other women do every day.”

“That doesn’t mean it’s any less painful.”

“I’m okay though.”

“You are?”

Honey nodded. “But Dane doesn’t know any of this either and it’s the kind of thing I should tell him. But when’s the right time? Not on the first few dates, yet not on our first anniversary either.”

“It is difficult, Honey, but not impossible. After all, Dane has likely got his own secrets too. I found out that Tom was still married, remember, and that was a huge shock. It’s better to be honest as soon as you can be, I think. Misunderstandings can cause their own problems.”

“I agree, but I also want to sort a few things out first, so I feel I can move on properly.”

“Of course.”

“Shall we have another drink?”

“Absolutely.” Camilla smiled then looked at the clock on the wall. “Allie should be here soon.”

“I’ll tell her too.”

“Allie is always great with advice.”

“I know. She’s been through so much herself.”

Camilla picked up their glasses. “I think, dear Honey, that life puts us all through the mill and that we’re all stronger because of it.”

There was a knock at the front door then, so Honey went to answer it while Camilla made more drinks. Allie stood on the doorstep holding a large cardboard box. Her face creased up as she looked at Honey.

“Is it fancy dress then? Dammit! I don’t have a costume.”

“What?”

“You’re a unicorn.”

“Oh, right.” Honey stood back to let Allie in. “It’s Camilla’s. She said we needed to wear onesies.”

“And what’s Camilla come as?” Allie asked as she kicked off her shoes in the hallway while balancing the box on one knee.

“She’s an elephant.”

Allie grimaced. “Of course. An elephant and a unicorn!”

They went through to the kitchen and found Camilla pouring mojitos into three glasses.

“Love the onesies, Camilla.” Allie put the box on the worktop.

“Thanks. Shame I didn’t have a third one.”

“I’m good, thanks. I can’t wear the things because they make me feel panicky.”

“Panicky?” Camilla frowned. “How can a onesie make you feel anything other than happy?”

“It’s the being confined thing. I prefer pyjamas, where the bottoms are separate. That whole being enclosed in one garment experience is just…” Allie shivered. “Not for me.”

“Each to her own.” Camilla shrugged. “Right then ladies, here’s to friendship.”

They clinked their glasses together then drank.

“Mmmm. Good job, Camilla,” Allie said, raising her glass to admire the drink.

“Thank you. I’m rather proud of my mojito-making skills.”

“They’ve gone to my head already,” Honey said, pulling a face at her friends. “I’m a bit tipsy.”

“I’ve catching up to do then.” Allie took another sip.

“No rush, Allie, we have all night.”

“I’ve brought some goodies from the café.” Allie opened the box and showed them the contents. “There’s all sorts of savouries and some cakes too.”

“Yum! I’m quite hungry now.”

“Well let’s eat.” Allie carried foil trays and dishes over to the table while Honey got knives, forks and plates. Delicious aromas filled her kitchen as the light outside changed from afternoon brightness to dusk. They drank more mojitos, enjoyed the food from the café then opened the chocolates Camilla had brought. By the time Honey had to switch the lights on, she was fit to burst.

“So, Allie. What do you think?” Honey asked, now that she’d told Allie everything too.

“That you have nothing to worry about. I understand why you want to be open with Dane and why you want to deal with certain things before you do that. Don’t feel bad at all. No one has a flawless past, you know?”

“That’s what I told her,” Camilla said then popped a hazelnut whirl into her mouth.

“Thanks so much.” Honey smiled at her friends. “I’m so grateful to you for listening and not… judging.”

“Why would we judge you?” Allie asked.

“I didn’t think you would… but as I didn’t tell you before, I worried you might think less of me for keeping it in.”

“All I wish is that I could go back in time and give the younger you a big hug and tell you that everything would work out. There is nothing for you to feel guilty about, you know.”

“Thank you so much. Shall we go through to the lounge?”

“Good idea.” Camilla stood up then picked up the boxes of chocolates.

“I need to put the chickens to bed, first.” Honey glanced at the clock. “Poor loves. I’ve been distracted.”

“You go do that then and Allie you can help me with the next batch of mojitos.”

“Will do.” Allie saluted Camilla.

“The night is young!” Camilla sang, as Honey stepped out into the cool darkness of the garden and made her way to the chicken enclosure.

The moon was full overhead, so she could see enough without needing a torch, but the corners of her garden lay in shadow. The chickens had already gone into the coop, so she locked the hatch, then the enclosure before gazing around the garden. The air was laced with woodsmoke from a nearby cottage and a dog barked in the distance. She wondered what Dane was doing, then she shook the thought away.

Tonight was about spending quality time with Camilla and Allie and putting the past to bed. She felt so lucky to have such close friends and she silently thanked The Cosy Cottage Café for bringing them all together. If it hadn’t been for her going in there when she moved to Heatherlea, then she might never have found such kind and supportive friends. Honey had so much to be grateful for and she felt much better now that she’d finally spoken about her past. No one was judging her; in fact, they were more supportive than she could have imagined.

“Psst!”

Honey looked up to see Camilla standing in the kitchen doorway.

“Stop daydreaming in the garden and come and have a dance.”

“Another one?”

“It’s good for you. Think of the endorphins.”

“Okay, coming.”

Honey smiled as she returned to the cottage. Whatever else happened in life, as long as she had her friends, she knew she’d be okay.