***

SAM GROANED, PROPPED both elbows on the desk and buried her head in her hands. She shouldn’t have told Trisha about Carlos. Then their mother wouldn’t have heard the news that raised her hopes for a conventional love, marriage and grandbabies scenario for her younger daughter. Sam sighed. She wasn’t going to deliver on that front.

One thing the short-lived romance with Carlos had done was make it clear she didn’t want a man in her life. Not now. Not ever. There was also a question mark over any long-term relationship. Carlos had hit the mark with his parting comment that Sam was incapable of true intimacy. She did back away when anyone came too close.

It looked like she was going to be Solo Sam forever so she should have set Mum straight on the romance situation. Instead, Sam had stayed silent. Now she was expected to bring a dessert plus a date to tomorrow’s family birthday gathering down south and Mum was looking forward to meeting the man who’d won her daughter’s heart.

The dessert wasn’t a drama even though Liz’s fail-safe recipe for black forest cake hadn’t lived up to that promise in Sam’s kitchen. An early morning call to the boutique patisserie at the Bayside Plaza Shopping Centre meant she’d still be turning up tomorrow with a decadent delight for the desserts table.

The plus one posed a problem of epic proportions. Especially at such short notice. Could she ask Carlos to play along tomorrow? Just this once? Not likely, considering she’d heard a whisper he was already seeing someone else, the colleague who’d been hovering on the sidelines throughout the three months Sam and Carlos were together. So that wasn’t an option.

Sam frowned and stared unseeing at her computer screen as she replayed the conversation with her mother. Why hadn’t she admitted her relationship record hadn’t improved any more than her culinary skills? And that the uncertainty about her sexuality was over as well as the relationship? She sagged back in her chair with a sigh. She knew why. And it wasn’t that Mum’s phone chats were almost monologues. Ever since their conversation about her growing realisation she might be gay, Sam couldn’t shake off the feeling she was a disappointment. That Mum would prefer her younger daughter to follow the more socially accepted path to love, matrimony and the timely production of grandchildren, even though she insisted repeatedly, “All I want is for you to be happy.”

“Sam, is that report ready?”

Sam jolted to attention. “Almost.”

She’d been too preoccupied with the date dilemma to notice the arrival of Liz, her PR agency boss and best friend since high school when they’d shared shifts at the local burger takeaway on weekends.

“Give me five minutes and I’ll send it through.”

Liz was about to move on then paused. “Are you OK?”

“Of course.”

Liz studied her. “I know you. Don’t lie. What’s up?”

“Um... Your fail-safe recipe wasn’t. I had to bin it.”

“That’s not it. You aren’t really worried about your family reputation for cooking calamities.”

“You’re right. I’ve already ordered a Death by Chocolate Cake from Decadent Desserts.”

“So, what’s the problem? Come on, hon, spill the beans. I have a plane to catch, remember. You look like you’re dealing with a disaster of epic proportions, but surely it isn’t that bad. Unless you promised George Clooney gift wrapped and tagged ‘To Mum with Love’?”

“Worse. She’s expecting me to bring Carlos.”

“You haven’t told her?”

“Not yet. What with Dad’s heart surgery coming up and Granddad’s dementia getting worse, she’s had enough on her plate lately without me adding to her worries. I was building up to it, waiting for the right time. I should have said something this morning when she called, but I couldn’t. Apart from the fact I hardly got a word in, I didn’t have the heart when she said how wonderful it was that I’d met the right man and thinking I’m gay was just a bit of an identity crisis blip.”

Liz shook her head. “She actually said that?”

“She didn’t mean to, I’m sure. She was quick to say that of course it makes no difference to her. She’s just concerned about me, as any mother would be because life is challenging enough without added complications. But I also got the heart twister... ‘I would dearly love grandchildren but Trisha and Harry are still determined not to bring a child into this world. I know you’ve said you don’t see motherhood in your future either, but that might change now...’ She sounded so hopeful.”

“You have got yourself into a sticky situation.” Liz tilted her head and a glint of mischief came into her eyes. “I wonder—”

Sam held up a hand. “Stop. Whatever you’re thinking, don’t. I’m not asking you to fix this for me.”

“I’ll say no more then. Back to work.” With a smile Liz turned and walked briskly across the room to her office, high heels clacking rhythmically on the parquetry floor.

A little of the tension eased from Sam’s shoulders. The problem wasn’t solved but sharing it with someone who cared had helped. Typical of Liz to want to come to her friend’s rescue but fancy thinking she could find an obliging man prepared to play romantic interest for an unknown single at a family birthday party in less than twenty-four hours.

Sam took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. There was only one thing to do. She would be a grown up, call Mum on the way home from work, explain the situation and apologise. Sorry, Mum, I should have told you it was over with Carlos. There is no one special in my life and there’s not likely to be. I’m a relationship misfit but you don’t need to worry. You want me to be happy. I am. I have everything I need. Awesome family and friends. A job I love. A great apartment. And don’t forget Kat the Dog, who loves me unconditionally. So I’m not alone and I’m certainly not lonely.

Sam’s desk phone buzzed, jolting her out of the fantasy confession.

“Report?” Liz reminded her.

Sam clicked into work mode. “On its way.”

She focused on the figures on her computer screen, finalised the sales totals for the month and emailed the completed document to Liz. Afterwards a flurry of phone calls and emails that required immediate attention banished all thought of her date dilemma. She barely had time to catch her breath for the rest of the afternoon.

At ten past five, Sam tidied her desk, shut down her computer and headed to Liz’s office to say goodbye on her way out.

“I’m off, have a great weekend.”

Liz looked up from her computer. “It’s a conference.”

“Yeah, but... Broome. Sun, Cable Beach, the famous Stairway to the Moon, sunset camel rides...”

“I’ll probably have time to read the tourist brochures. By the way, your little problem—”

Sam shrugged. “I didn’t expect you to solve it. I’m going to call Mum and explain.”

“But I did, so there’s no need. Max from the gym round the corner has agreed to do the honours and will be waiting outside Decadent Delights at the Bayside Plaza Shopping Centre at ten tomorrow so you can pick up your date along with your cake. Don’t be late.”

Sam blinked. “What?”

“Dilemma solved.” Liz regarded her with a satisfied smile. “I’ve arranged a date for you.”

“Wow.” This was unexpected. Sam crossed the room to give her a hug. “You are amazing.”

“I know.”

“Um — how will I know Max?”

“Tall, with dark hair, eyes the colour of liquid honey and a drop-dead gorgeous smile complete with dimple. A personal trainer, so in great shape. You won’t be disappointed, I promise.” She raised an eyebrow. “And you never know. There might turn out to be a spark between you.”

“Not likely, but OMG. I don’t know how to thank you.”

“I’ll think of something. Now go. I still have a few loose ends to tie up before I head to the airport.”

Sam practically bounced her way to the lift. She could temporarily ditch the Disappointing Daughter tag and keep Mum’s birthday happy. Then, after Dad had had his heart surgery and Granddad was settled in a care home, Mum would be in a better head space for Sam to gently break the news the relationship was over and her life could go on as normal.

***

BY THE TIME SAM ARRIVED home her smile had been replaced by a worried forehead furrow. What was she thinking? She couldn’t go through with it. Even if Mum didn’t see through the loved-up couple façade, Trisha certainly would. Besides, Sam had vowed to be true to herself instead of trying to live up to others’ expectations. Taking a fake date to a family gathering couldn’t be part of that.

Sam messaged Liz before she opened the door to her apartment: Sorry to mess you around, hon. Please cancel the date with Max. I’ll just take the dessert.

There was no response and further attempts to contact Liz only resulted in the recorded notification that her phone was switched off. Anxiety formed a tangled knot in Sam’s stomach. A vigorous ride on the exercise bike failed to ease the tension. Kat sensed Sam’s mood. She shadowed her around the apartment, getting underfoot, then practically sat on top of her on the sofa. Sam eased her aside to make space then wrapped the dog in a reassuring hug and rested her forehead against the shaggy grey head.  

“It’s OK, pooch,” she murmured. “I’m OK. Nothing to worry about. I’ve just gone and got myself into another pickle.”

Neither the latest Anne Cleeves crime mystery nor the offerings on Netflix provided the hoped-for distraction. At ten minutes to midnight, bleary eyed and over caffeinated, Sam curled up under the covers in her bedroom and tried to shut down the Olympic stress event going on in her mind. Exhaustion finally won and she eventually fell asleep, only to be woken by a text message that did nothing to start her day in a mood of calm serenity.

Sorry. Don’t have Max’s phone number with me. Too late to cancel.

With fumbling fingers Sam pressed Return Call but all she got was a recorded notification that Liz’s phone was switched off. Next she tried the gym. The man who answered sounded frazzled and said the receptionist was off sick. While he did take a message Sam wasn’t hopeful it would reach Max in time.

That left two options: one, arrive to meet Fake Date, tell him his services were no longer required and offer a bottle of wine as apology for the inconvenience; or two, go through with this ridiculous farce because it was her own darn fault and it might teach her not to get herself into similar situations in future. Either way, the day wasn’t looking promising. Resigned, Sam swung her legs out of bed and headed for the kitchen. Sunshine streaming through the crystal windchime at the window painted rainbows on the wall, the bench and the pantry door. It boosted Sam’s spirits and a tiny spark of hope flared. Today might turn out better than expected. There was only one way to find out.

***

AT TWO MINUTES TO TEN Sam waited outside Decadent Delights, cake box in hand and bottle of apology wine in her bag in case it was needed yet still unsure which option to take.  Either way, she’d taken the trouble to dress to impress in a cute little black and white polka dot skirt, an ultra-feminine lacy white off-the-shoulder blouse and ballerina flats. She’d even applied makeup and scraped her crazy curls into a messy top knot that gave the illusion of a hairstyle  

But by ten past the hour, it looked like the extra effort had been unnecessary, for Mr Hottie had not arrived. Sam resisted the urge to prowl the pavement and tapped her foot instead. How long should she wait? She had a long drive ahead.

At least she was in good company. Gorgeous Jogger from the park where Sam walked Kat the Dog was sitting on the bench near the planter box with its bright spill of red geraniums, looking as always like she’d just stepped away from a photo shoot for a magazine cover. She was also playing the waiting game, looking up expectantly every time someone approached the patisserie. They’d smiled at each other in recognition when Sam arrived.

The little girl with her, who looked about three years old, provided some diversionary entertainment that helped pass the time. Dressed in yellow wellies, a white onesie patterned with pink rabbits, a purple net fairy skirt and a super hero cape, the child chanted an unintelligible language as she leapt about brandishing a plastic sword. Sam couldn’t help smiling. What a cutie.

As for Gorgeous Jogger, who must be her mum, Sam shouldn’t stare but it was hard not to. The woman had an enviable sense of style that made her plain white scoop-necked tee, artfully knotted silk scarf and slim-fitting denims look like a fashion statement. And the ankle boots were a standout. Navy, burgundy and emerald coloured leather, embossed and with a painted floral design. Kind of Bohemian style. Probably Italian. Definitely expensive. It looked like she went to a classy hairdresser too. Out of its early morning jog pony tail, that sleek long bob was perfectly shaped and had a super sheen.

It must feel magical to run your fingers through those silken strands. Sam swallowed and moistened her lips. All that did was focus her attention on the woman’s beautifully shaped lips that looked way too kissable. She shook the thoughts away. Enough.

Gorgeous Jogger kept sending friendly smiles Sam’s way. OMG. She’d noticed her staring. What must she think, being treated like some kind of exhibit on public display? Warmth rushed to Sam’s cheeks. To hide the blush, she paced to the curb to scan up and down the street. Hurry up, Hottie. She checked the time again. Eighteen minutes late now. He mustn’t be coming. She’d give him two more minutes, make it an even twenty, then go. The drive to Mum’s place would allow plenty of time to come up with an explanation for why she was arriving with dessert but no date. Better still, she’d send a text on setting out, say Carlos wouldn’t make it after all. Which was true.

As she gathered her things to leave, the tiara perched precariously on the little girl’s unruly auburn curls toppled off. A swift sword lunge failed to catch it. The sparkly crown rolled onto the street and was crushed under the wheels of a passing car. Instead of bursting into tears the little girl stomped her foot and shouted, “Sugar candy chocolate drop!” Hands on hips, she turned to her mum and declared, “Not fair.”

“That’s life, Button,” said Gorgeous Jogger. She checked her watch once more, then stood up. “It doesn’t look like our guy’s coming after all. Let’s go.”

Her voice sent a frisson of excitement through Sam. She blinked. Tall — check. Dark hair — check. Great shape — check. Stunner of a smile she’d been casting in Sam’s direction while they waited — check. Dimple — check.

Sam shook her head. Surely Liz hadn’t—  

Their eyes met, realisation dawned and with a fizz of infectious laughter Gorgeous Jogger said, “You’re Sam, aren’t you? Liz’s friend?”

Sam nodded. “Samara. Um — Max?”

“Yep. Maxine, though only my dad calls me that.” She gave that leg-weakening smile again. “I reckon we’ve been well and truly played. I thought I was waiting for a guy who needed a date to get his mother off his back about settling down and producing grandchildren.”

“Half right. Just not the guy part.”

Max looked her up and down and the liquid honey eyes sparkled. “I can see that. And you expected me to be a guy.”

“Which you obviously aren’t. I should have known Liz was up to something.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself. Liz just kept saying Sam when she set this up — and I jumped to conclusions.”

“Same here,” said Sam. “I’m so sorry to have wasted your time.”

“We’ve met, so it hasn’t been wasted. I’ve seen you at the park. That sunny smile and breezy good morning as we passed always brightened my day.”

“Oh.” Warmth spread through Sam. Gorgeous Jogger had noticed her too. Fancy that. Uncertain what to say next she fossicked in her purse for the car keys. “Well, I’d best head off. I guess I’ll see you at the park sometime.”

“Actually...” Max brushed a sweep of silky hair behind one ear as she regarded Sam. “We don’t have any other plans and we were looking forward to a day’s outing, weren’t we, Button?”

The child looked up from where she had started decorating the edge of the planter box with fallen geranium petals. “Will there be lemonade?”

“I expect so,” said Sam.

“And ice cream?”

“Probably not.”

“Good, ’cos I’m ’lergic.”

“This is Jane,” said Max.

“No.” Jane shook her head. “Isadora.”

“Sorry. I forgot.” Max did an eye roll. “Jane’s too plain a name apparently. Oh, I hope you don’t mind. Liz said it would be OK to bring her because your mum adores children, and there was no way I could get a sitter at such short notice. Knowing Liz, I’d say she had ulterior motives — apart from the obvious. Your mum can see that grandchildren aren’t necessarily out of the equation even though—” She lifted one perfectly shaped eyebrow. “I haven’t got it wrong? You are gay?”

“Looks that way.”

“You are open to possibilities?”

“I am.”

“Great. Let’s see if this goes anywhere.”

“My car would be a good starting point. We have a bit of a drive ahead of us. Mum lives in Bunbury.”

“And you did promise her dessert and a date. We can’t disappoint her, can we?”

“Definitely not.” Sam grinned and led the way to her parked car. Today had taken a turn for the better.

***

NO SOONER WERE THEY on their way than the doubts set in. Arriving with Max instead of Carlos would come as a bit of a shock to her family. It wasn’t right to put them in that position. Sam stared at the road ahead, pretending a need to concentrate on traffic to cover up the anxiety tangling her stomach into uncomfortable knots.

She wiped one hand then the other on her skirt while Max was foraging in her bag for a hungry daughter snack. Her mouth was desert dry but she daren’t reach for her drink bottle in the beverage holder between the seats in case her hand brushed her passenger’s thigh. She chanced a sideways look at Max. Relaxed, and leaning back now in her seat after passing a small box of sultanas to Jane in the back seat, she didn’t seem the least bit fazed by the situation.

The woman was gorgeous from her head to her toes but as Sam knew all too well, good looks weren’t everything. And while Max did seem lovely with a genuinely warm and friendly nature, they were practically strangers. Sam did want to get to know her and suddenly it mattered that if there were any possibility of relationship, it shouldn’t start out with a lie. The pretend romance was off the agenda and if that meant Max wanted nothing further to do with her after today, Sam would have to get over it. It wouldn’t be the first time someone had decided she wasn’t who they wanted and it probably wouldn’t be the last.

She ran her tongue along her lips. “Um — look, let’s not pretend we are what we aren’t. I’ll just introduce you as a friend of Liz’s, which of course is true, and—”

A soft laugh came from the seat beside her. “Getting cold feet?”

“Not at all. I’ve just come to my senses. There’s no need for this—” She waved one hand— “romantic charade. I am who I am. Mum will just have to accept that. I have. So... no fake date.”

“What a shame. I was looking forward to it. Come on.” Max nudged Sam’s shoulder playfully. “It’ll be fun. Where’s your sense of adventure?”

Sam was about to say it went walkabout when a sudden memory stopped her. Last summer at the beach. Taking the dog for a walk along the shore with Mum. Suddenly Mum had stopped, stared pensively out to sea.

“I sometimes wonder how my life would have been if I’d said yes instead of no to Tokyo,” she’d said.

Mystified, Sam had pushed for information and been surprised to learn her mother had almost married someone else before she’d met their father.

“We’d only been together five months when Peter’s boss asked him to take over the Japanese branch of their import/export agency,” Mum had explained. “He wanted us to go off together and make a new life there. It was too much to ask of me at the time. I couldn’t do it. But sometimes... I wonder, what if?” She’d given Sam a quick hug and added, “But then I’d not have my two beautiful girls. And your dad was a good man. I did love him.”

Sam didn’t want to reach sixty and wonder if she should have taken the path of possibilities. She cast a glance at the woman beside her whose smile held such an enticing promise it made Sam’s body tingle all over. Her heart started doing a celebration dance. This whatever it was with Max might come to nothing or it could turn out to be something special. The only way to find out was to take a chance. Otherwise, Sam too could spend a lifetime wondering, what if?

She took a deep breath. “I really want to get to know you better, but I’d rather not start out with a lie to my family. At the risk of sounding boring and unadventurous, if there is going to be anything between us further down the track, I want it to be real. I can’t do pretence. So...”

“I can do friends,” said Max, then added with a sexy laugh that sent a thrill of anticipation through Sam, “...for today. Tomorrow... we’ll see.”

They pulled into the next service station along the way for a coffee and toilet break and Sam took the opportunity to phone her mum. It was best to forewarn her about the break-up with Carlos and explain the unexpected guests she was bringing. One family member at risk of having a heart attack was enough of a worry without inadvertently adding another.

“Looks like that went better than expected,” said Max when Sam strolled into the cafeteria section with a smile to join them at one of the tables.

“She was all motherly concern about how I was feeling about being dumped again. It was rather nice actually. And she’s pleased I’m not driving all this way on my own under the circumstances.”

“Sweet.”

“Yep.” Sam scooped up her takeaway coffee cup and asked, “Shall we go?”

They headed back to the car with Jane doing bunny hops all the way because she’d enjoyed a pre-Easter chocolate marshmallow rabbit.

With the fake date issue sorted and Mum up to date with the latest romance failure, Sam began to relax and enjoy the company. Max was easy to be with and her daughter’s lively chatter and raucous singing from the back seat kept them entertained. They covered the remaining kilometres in what felt like record time.

But as they pulled up in the driveway of the old-style beachside cottage her parents now called home after a shift from the city, anxiety tugged. Sam couldn’t guarantee not to burst into tears if Mum and Dad made a huge fuss of her for being dumped by Carlos, which even though she knew it was for the best had still been hurtful. Worse, if Trish was her usual smart-mouthed self, Sam would probably lose her temper. Neither would make a good impression on Max, and my goodness she wanted to do that.

By the time they reached the side gate that led round the house to the back patio where the family was gathered judging from the conversation buzz and aroma of barbecued chicken coming from that direction, Sam felt like a swarm of butterflies was doing full-on flight manouvres in her tummy.

As if reading her mood, Max touched her reassuringly on the shoulder. “It’ll be fine, Sam.”

Before Sam could respond, Mum was rushing forward to fold her in a welcoming embrace and warmly greet her extra guests.

“Perfect timing,” she announced. “Harry has just finished barbecuing the chicken.”

Trish looked up from the table laden with an assortment of finger foods and salads, where she was adding a big platter of steaming chicken pieces. “Hello! Who rescued them before they became cinders?”

Harry, leaning against the patio door with a stubbie of beer in hand, looked affronted. “I was in complete control.”

Trish rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right.” She came across to hug Sam. “Hi, Sis. And Max, is it? Pleased to meet you. And this must be, let me see...” She cocked her head and regarded Jane, who was dancing about on the spot. “Angelina Ballerina?”

Jane giggled. “No, silly! I’m Isadora the Explorer.”

“OK, gang, enough of the chit chat,” announced Dad, settled in his usual spot at the head of the table. “Let’s eat.”

Everyone laughed, dragged out a chair and began loading their plates.

The raging butterflies in Sam’s tummy settled to a slight flutter. This would be OK. She cast a glance at Max, seated beside her and a glow warm as early spring sunshine filled her. Better than OK.

Mum was in perfect hostess mode, Dad’s heart issue didn’t appear to have affected his sense of humour, Harry was his usual friendly self and after a warning look from Sam, Trish stopped giving Max the third degree and turned to more general topics of conversation. A family walk along the beach and some lively competition over card games followed lunch. Around mid-afternoon Jane fell asleep in the hammock under the peppermint tree near the verandah, surrounded by childhood storybooks Mum had produced from the box on top of her wardrobe.

Trish and Harry said their goodbyes a little after five o’clock and once they’d left, Sam decided it was probably time they headed off too as they had a two-and-a-half-hour drive ahead of them.

“Why not have a quick bite to eat first,” said Mum as they headed back indoors. “Nothing fancy, just leftovers from lunch.”

Sam glanced at Max, who nodded agreement. “Sounds good to me. Missy Button will be grumpy when I wake her so let’s put it off till later.”

Mum paused at the patio door. “You know you could all stay over. That way you can let her wake in her own time. There’s only the one guest bedroom but we do have sleeping bags. We could even set up the tent in the backyard for you and Jane, Max. If she’s anything like my two when they were little, she’d think it an adventure. Besides, you’d be doing me a favour. I always worry about Sam being on the road as it gets late. I could rest easy knowing you were all here.”

Sam reached for her hand. “Mum, you know I’m a careful driver.”

“That won’t stop a ’roo leaping out at you. Or protect you from other drivers who might be suffering from fatigue – and who knows what they’ve been taking before they got behind the wheel. I’m your mum, sweetheart. I can’t switch that off even though you’re not a child anymore.”

Max nodded. “And I fully understand that, Brenda. I try to give Jane lots of freedom to find out things for herself so she’ll develop independence but sometimes my heart’s in my mouth, especially when I see her swinging from tree branches or climbing onto bridge railings to peer over the edge to watch trains. It’s very kind of you to offer. What do you think, Sam?”

Max raised her eyebrows at her with smile that spoke of promise. “Do we stay?”

Sam returned the smile. “I’m happy to do that if you are.”

Mum beamed at them. “Sorted. I’ll go and get the tent and the sleeping bags out of the shed, then organise a campout feast for when the little one wakes up. She’s bound to be hungry.”

“Your family is special,” said Max as they watched her bustle away.

“I know.” Sam sighed. “Sometimes I forget that and I’m a bit tough on Mum for simply being her caring, loving self.”

“Don’t be tough on yourself. I like what I’ve been seeing so far.”

A thrill ran through Sam. “Ditto,” she murmured. “OK, I’ll go and help Mum. I don’t want Dad shifting stuff about in the shed. He’s supposed to be taking it easy but I know what he’s like.”

“I’ll keep him company for a bit, then you and I can put up the tent. There’s no need for your mum to overdo it either.”

“Sounds good.” Sam grinned and headed for the shed.

Mum looked up from where she was unlocking the padlock on the door. “She’s lovely, sweetheart. I hope this one works out for you.”

“You’re not disappointed in me? I know you’d feel a lot more comfortable if I was a normal person.”

Her mother frowned. “You’re not abnormal. Why ever do you say such things, Sam? Anyway, I’m never disappointed in you, only disappointed for you when things don’t work out. I’ve told you – I want what you want for you.”

Sam wrapped her in a hug. “Oh, Mum. I do love you.”

***

LATER, AFTER A RELAXED informal dinner of tasty lunch leftovers on the back verandah, Sam’s mum and dad said goodnight and retired to the lounge to watch TV. Jane had been tucked into one of the sleeping bags in the tent with a torch and a bag of night-time snacks after playing Isadora the intrepid explorer in the backyard until it grew dark.

Sam and Max sat companionably side by side on the verandah steps enjoying a last glass of wine.

Max sighed contentedly. “I’ve really enjoyed today.”

“Me too,” said Sam. Yet she could so easily have walked away the minute she realised they’d both been conned by Liz. She giggled. “You know Liz is going to be insufferable if anything comes of this.”

“Uh huh. Maybe we’ll have to come up with some way to teach her not to be an interfering busybody.” Max regarded her intently. “Or we might end up saying thank you.” 

Sam paused only long enough to see the invitation in Max’s eyes before leaning close, cupping her unexpected date’s face in both hands and tasting her lips, tentatively at first then with deepening fervour.

“Mmm,” murmured Max eventually. “I thought today’s decadent dessert was sweet. But that was sweeter. Very moreish.”

Sam needed no further prompting. It was too early to know if this was the start of something lasting but promising to bring a date as well as dessert to Mum’s birthday lunch looked like it might have delivered an unexpected gift.