Chapter 14: Emotions get a kneading

She spent Saturday morning in a fury of cleaning with music in her headphones drowning out thought. Instead of lunch she went for a swim and then returned to her flat to soak in a lavender-scented bath in the hope of inducing dreamless sleep for a couple of hours.

When she opened her door to William at 7.30 that evening she felt ready.

He kissed her cheek. 'You look wonderful. How d'you do it?'

'Sleep,' she said, locking the door behind her.

He followed her down the stairs, 'Have I told you how much I like that dress?'

It was the one she had worn to his New Year's Eve party. White, soft stretch cotton, its scooped neck and low back hugged her body to below the knees. 'I don't have a lot that I feel comfortable wearing.' She touched the material that covered her arms to her knuckles.