Gerry shook his hand then instructed Jinhai to load their cases into the boot of the car. Miranda watched, aching to help with the smaller ones. When their luggage was loaded, she took her cue from Gerry and settled into the back with just her handbag.

Trishaws and bicycles wove between women carrying wicker crates containing chickens, their feathers fluttering as they squawked, or strange vegetables in rattan baskets, children were crying and beggars limped on crutches. A bullock cart trundled along ahead of them. All the while, the unbearable heat mingled with the sulphurous stench of rotting eggs, which filtered through the open windows of the car.

‘It’s just not the done thing here and you have to make sure that she respects you.’ He gave her hand a little squeeze. ‘It’s different to England, where one might have a cup of tea and a chat with the daily. She’s a servant, something that you’ll have to get used to, not a friend.’

But now, as she looked across at her husband, it seemed as though the blue that once sparkled so clear and bright seemed to fade at stormy moments, like the sky darkening on a winter’s day.

‘It’s different out here, Miranda. And you know what men are like –he probably wants to simply look after you and doesn’t like the idea of you working; it’s a bit emasculating, don’t you think, for men if their wives have to go out to work?’

Of course, the Japanese occupation had been awful, she knew that, but what she hadn’t appreciated was the depth of anger the locals still harboured against the British for allowing the Japanese to march unchecked over the causeway. There was still so much she had to learn about Singapore, and she wondered if she’d ever understand the people here.

‘I look so glamorous, almost like Princess Margaret,’ Miranda said. ‘Are you sure this is such a good idea?’ ‘Yes.’ Georgina nodded her head. ‘And you don’t look like Princess Margaret. You look like yourself, which is much better. Ready?’

Of course, she longed to laugh, to feel free, to dance in the sand, not to drag the past around like some awful deadweight. No one wanted Miranda to be the person she used to be more than she did. But somehow she couldn’t find her way back.

‘You only get one life, Miranda,’ Georgina said, her voice urgent as she stared deep into her eyes for a moment, before she smiled. Then stood up, hugged Miranda and made her way towards the door.

“All I’m saying is that if I didn’t already have a date tonight, I’d be running upstairs to borrow a cup of sugar—if you know what I mean.”

“You can’t make a man be something he’s not.” She shrugged. “If a guy doesn’t make me happy, he’s gone.

“You can’t make someone change if he doesn’t want to,” she said, her tone uncharacteristically sober. After a long pause, she finally pushed off the doorjamb with her hip. “Life’s short. You need to implement a one-strike-and-you’re-out dating policy. That’s all I’m saying.”

I glanced back at the bid sheet, thinking I could really use a day at the spa to chill me out. But I’d used my credit card so much lately it should’ve melted. Sigh.

“We support you no matter what your decision is, but we believe in your talent and want you to be happy in your career.”

“I thought you didn’t date guys more than once.” “No, my rule is that I date a guy until I’m bored. It’s not my fault that’s usually after the first date.”

“Brace yourself. You’re about to see how much better life can be with a partner.”

The room had been cold and plain before. Now, it felt warm and welcoming, making me want to curl up with a novel in the antique accent chair I’d found at a consignment store.

My stomach churned as I gaped at her hand on his forearm. Was physical touch really necessary during an interview? Every part of me screamed to remove her hand myself. Not that I was territorial or anything.

“We had only met once.” His eyes locked on mine. “Sometimes that’s all it takes.”

I’d worked so hard to keep my life organized and practical. Then, in one day, a tornado had hit and everything was spinning out of control.

“Wish I could bottle your expression. I’d love to see that smile every day.”

People help each other, and maybe you’re not used to that. But that’s what people do when they care about each other.”

“You can only push somebody away so many times before they don’t come back.”

“Art’s a nice hobby, dear.” Mom’s mouth pursed. “But you need a real job with a steady income.”

“The way you decorate isn’t rational. It’s passionate, warm, and vibrant—like you. Maybe it’s time that you accept that you’re fabulous and stand up for yourself.”

“No matter what comes, you’re up at dawn, ready to take on the challenge of a new day. You make life better. Me, I run at sunset, holding everything in, just waiting for the day to end.”

“You’re the sunshine in everyone’s life, and you can’t even see it. You give to others all day long, holding back what you want until late in the evening when you finally allow yourself an hour to run. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met.”