Later on in the morning, Rose left to pick Shelly up from the hotel. She pulled up in a parking bay and messaged her to tell her she was there. Shelly came bouncing out of the hotel ten minutes later, looking fresh-faced and happy, dressed in a white summer dress and immaculate make-up. Rose felt dowdy in comparison, in her faded jeans and hoody and a face bare of make-up.
“I had the best time last night.” Shelly clipped her seatbelt on and beamed at Rose. “We all did.”
“Even Tom?” Rose swallowed. “Mum mentioned how quiet he was.”
“Oh, he’s always like that.” Shelly winked. “You know, the brooding, angst-ridden type. Gotta admit he’s fit though, eh?”
“I suppose so.” Rose cleared her throat. “I thought we could go to The White Swan for lunch?”
“Sounds good. Do Roger and Sue still
