"What am I going to do about Edward?" Jean groaned into her hands.

"What's the situation? What are we dealing with here?" Alice swung around on her chair and fixed her eyes on Jean.

"Well, he's not in the first act so technically he hasn't missed any actual rehearsals for his role. But he hasn't shown up when I've called full cast meetings for the fundraiser. I don't actually want him to be in the fundraiser, cos well, he can't actually sing" she looked at Alice in exasperated amusement, "but my rule is, 'miss three rehearsals and you're out'. Trouble is he's not missing rehearsals I actually want him at."

"Hmmm, that's tricky" Alice pursed her lips.

"You bet." Jean thought for a moment. She'd finally had enough, "You know what else is tricky?"

"What?"

"Say two of your best friends started dating, and didn't tell you," she began.

Alice lowered her eyes and swallowed heavily. "Jean…"

Jean looked at Alice sideways, "I mean, on the one hand it's none of my business, but on the other hand, when you get sent photo's like this…" she waved her phone in Alice's face, the picture from Lucien of Alice and Matthew at the Indian restaurant on full display, "I just wonder when they'll trust me enough to tell me." She raised her eyebrows pointedly.

"Jean. That's not true! It's not that I don't trust you," Alice began hotly, "It's just that it's so new, I don't want the whole world to know in case it fizzles out." She crossed her arms and raised her chin defiantly. "Anyway, You're just as bad."

"Me?" Jean was taken aback. She looked at Alice, "What do you mean? I haven't been going on secret dates with anyone." Somehow this was turning into an argument and her raised voice was dangerous.

"Oh really?" Alice was scrolling through her phone, "Want to explain this to me?" She held up the photo she'd snapped of Lucien giving Jean a shoulder massage.

Jean's jaw dropped, "Where did you get this?"

"Where did you get that?" Alice indicated her head to Jean's phone.

They stared at each other stubbornly.

Finally Jean broke the eye contact, "Lucien sent me the photo last week."

Alice bit her lip "I took the photo and sent it to Matthew."

"Alice, we're not dating, honestly. There's something there, yes. But I'm very aware of Li. She must be our priority right now."

"Well Matthew and I aren't dating either, at least I don't think we are. All it's been is a movie, text messages, a few coffees after work and a handful of dinners."

There was a pause as Jean raised her eyebrows at her, "I'd call that dating Alice."

"Oh," Alice blushed. "I do like him Jean. I'm just being super cautious. I don't have a good track record, and it's been so long… I'm sorry I hadn't told you. At first there really was nothing to tell, but, well… gradually we've grown closer. He's so gentle and kind."

Jean smiled at Alice and took her hand in hers, "I know Alice. And I'm pleased you two have found each other. I'm sorry I took out my frustrations on you. I must admit to liking Lucien a lot more than I think I should, But I don't want to complicate things. He's got a lot going on, not just with Li, There's a lot you don't know, and it's…" Jean faltered, "He's a complicated man." She quickly filled her in on all that had happened, about Mei Lin, the stolen dance, the singalong, his piano playing and the meetings they'd had for the musical. When she finished speaking Alice's eyes were wide and Jean added, "So you see I don't really know where we stand at the moment. Everything we've done together so far has been about Li, or toward the musical or the fundraiser. It's been a while for me too Alice, I haven't dated anyone since Christopher and it's all so… different." She looked at her friend, "But at least one of us should have clarification. I promise not to bug Matthew, I won't even say anything if you don't want me to, but next time you and Matthew go out I demand you establish what sort of relationship this is. And if he doesn't think you're dating, I'll kick his arse."

Alice nodded as she hid a smile. "Understood." She picked up a folder. "Right, Now, back to work. What still has to be done for the fundraiser next weekend?"

Li couldn't ever remember being this happy. She grinned around at her cast mates who stood staring at her open mouthed. She'd just finished singing through 'Dance of the Robe' for the first time during a blocking rehearsal and it had gone extremely well. It was the first time the cast had heard what she could really do and up until now Li knew there had been a bit of tension towards the shy new girl getting the main role in the school musical. Even she couldn't believe how far she had come. Not even three weeks ago she would have struggled to get up and sing like this in front of the others. Her stage fright still bothered her, but as she began to inhabit this strong character, she found there was no room for shy nervous Li, when Aida was so strong. Nell had given her some breathing techniques to use and talking things over with Phryne was helping Li gradually feel more confident in herself.

"Well done Li, that was amazing," called Jean. "Alright everyone, come down here, let's talk about the concert this weekend, Miss Nell assures me that you're all ready for your solos," she glanced around at them and saw some nods, "And I'm happy with the way the group numbers are sounding. BUT, If you haven't got your backings to me by end of day Friday you will not be singing in the concert. You can email them to me, give them to me on a disk or a USB, I don't care, but I must must MUST have them by end of the day Friday." She glared pointedly at a few of them and then continued, "On Saturday you need to be here by 3 at the latest, We will top and tail everything, make sure all the tech stuff works, and we will run the group numbers. I'll be here from 10 plotting the lights so if you're free and want to come help set things up please do so. If you bring me a coffee I will love you forever," She smiled at the cast as they all laughed. "Bring plenty of water and any food you want, Once you're here, I don't want you popping in and out to go get dinner, You can Uber Eats if you must. The concert starts at 7pm, we will be doing warm-ups at 6.30 so please be ready to go. Don't forget boys, black pants and button-down shirt, girls black skirt or pants, and top, or black dress. No plunging necklines, no short skirts and no bare midriffs or backs please. Any costume pieces or accessories must be provided by yourselves unless already arranged with me. I don't want any of you doing full costume changes so your costume is just a nod to your character, a tie, a hat, a scarf, a cardigan, I want this to be as stress free as possible." She looked at Mattie, "Of course I would feel a lot less stressed right now if a certain person hadn't convinced me to sing not one but two songs Saturday night."

"Oh Mrs Beazley, you're going to be great!" Mattie grinned at her, "And who could fail when you've got us three as your backing singers?" she indicated herself, Rose and Li.

"I still can't believe you talked me into this," Jean muttered as she rolled her eyes, "Right. Any last minute questions, queries or comments?" She looked around at the group who shook their heads. Alright off with you all."

The group broke apart, chatting and laughing excitedly and Jean shot a glance at Li. She was having a final meeting with Lucien on Friday night, who, true to his word, had organised everything for the raffle. In fact Lucien had shone in this job and had exceeded Jean's expectations, even sending numerous letters to local businesses asking for them to donate items in return for the promise of an ad in the Aida program, something Jean had never even thought of doing. As she collected her script and notebook she looked at the empty auditorium. A sideways glance at the door made sure everyone had left and she cautiously placed her things back on the table and pressing some buttons on her phone, music began to play from the speakers. Maybe a quick practice of her songs wouldn't go astray. She opened her mouth and began to sing.

Alice looked over at where Matthew sat across from her at the coffee shop. They were at their usual table in the back corner near the kitchen, where they were completely hidden from the busy takeaway counter. Her conversation with Jean had been playing over and over in her mind all week but she had not yet summoned the courage to ask Matthew where they stood. Matthew saw her looking at him.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Alice gave him a half smile, which didn't entirely reach her eyes. "Just thinking about a few things."

Matthew finished the last sip of his coffee and wiped his mouth. "Walk with me?" He knew better than to push. She would tell him when she was ready.

Alice's eyes met his and her face flushed. How was it that she could be so calm and level-headed when teaching high school chemistry, but one look from Matthew Lawson sent her heart fluttering. "Of course," she smiled.

As they walked Matthew looked sideways at her. She'd been even more quiet than usual this week and on multiple occasions he had caught her looking thoughtfully at him, just as she had been in the café just now. "Alice," he began.

She turned a startled face to him. "Yes?" her eyes were wide and worried.

"I just wondered... Well.. I was wondering…" He saw her looking at him intensely and begin to chew on the inside of her bottom lip. It was a quirk Matthew usually found adorable, but today he could tell something was bothering her. Was he about to make a total fool of himself? He took a deep breath and continued. "I was wondering if maybe, you would mind very much if I held your hand?"

Alice stopped and looked at him sternly.

Matthew turned to look at her. Had he overstepped? Had he been on the wrong track this whole time? Maybe Alice thought they were just friends.

"Matthew, what are we doing?"

"Hey?"

"I mean, are we… 'dating?'"

Matthew took a deep breath, Here goes nothing. "Well, I mean. I'd like to say yes. I like you Alice, I like spending time with you. I like the way you make me laugh, The way you make me feel important, and I like the stillness you bring to my life."

Alice blushed a crimson red and looked at the ground.

Matthew continued hesitantly, "Have I… misconstrued our friendship?"

Alice shook her head as she met his eyes "No. In fact I'd like to say yes too. You've made my life much more tolerable."

Matthew smiled softly, "Well, Alice Harvey, Will you say yes to being my girlfriend?"

Alice felt as if her face would split in half, "I'd be honoured," her smile fell. "But not at school, not in front of the kids, they mustn't know."

"We don't have to tell anyone until you're ready," he held out his hand and after a pause she took it with a shy smile, and together they continued down the road in silence, both grinning like idiots.

"Right, I think that's everything sorted. I've just got to pick up the programs from the printer in the morning." Jean sighed and flopped back on to the couch and closed her eyes.

Lucien observed her weary face, "Another cuppa? Or something stronger perhaps?"

"Got any gin?" Jean immediately answered.

Lucien was surprised. Up until now Jean had kept to tea and coffee.

Jean noticed his silence, opened one eye and grinned, "It's not a school night Lucien." She sighed "Plus I'm going to need the liquid courage to go through with this mad idea of Mattie's. I still can't believe I'm going to sing tomorrow night." She eyed the pile of papers on the table.

Lucien hid a smile as he got up from the couch they were sharing to pour drinks. "You'll do brilliantly. I know you will."

"Thank you for your confidence in me. Unfounded as it may be." She rolled her eyes as she reached out a hand to take the glass from Lucien.

Lucien passed her the glass and halted as his eyes caught her bare finger.

She caught him looking and raised her chin slightly as she swallowed. "Thought it was time I began to move on."

"Yes," Lucien mused as he sat and took a small sip of whisky. He glanced at his own wedding band, "Perhaps it's time I did the same."

"When you're ready Lucien. In your own time," Jean said gently. "No rush. It has to feel right."

Lucien rubbed his thumb over the back of the ring thoughtfully, "Jack keeps saying that to me too."

"You should listen to him. You've been through a lot Lucien, You can't rush these things. I'm sure Jack knows what he's talking about."

"Thank you again for suggesting them. They really have been so helpful already, to both Li and myself."

"I'm glad." Jean sipped her gin.

"They're coming tomorrow night, to the fundraiser. Did I tell you that?"

Jean shot him a sharp look, 'No."

"Li won't stop talking about it, I think Phryne wants to see what all the fuss is about."

Jean put a hand to her mouth, "Oh goodness. Now I feel even more uneasy about singing."

Lucien twisted around to look at Jean, "Why? Don't you like Phryne and Jack?"

"We've never met."

"Then what are you so worried about?"

"That Li's been building it up so much, I mean I'm so pleased she's excited Lucien, honestly I am, I just…" she faltered, "I don't know, Maybe I've caught Li's stage fright." Her worried eyes met his. "It's been a long time since I've performed on a stage in front of people," she admitted quietly.

Lucien reached out and took her hand gently. "I believe in you. But if you really feel you can't do it, I'm sure the kids will understand."

Jean looked at their joined hands and wouldn't meet his eyes.

Lucien continued, "But I think that maybe you should listen to your own advice. What have you been telling Li all this time?"

She sighed, "To believe in her voice," she admitted resignedly.

"Right," Lucien nodded, "It's time you began to believe in yours."

Jean raised her head and found his blue eyes boring into hers and her breath hitched in her throat. There was a moment, just like the one in the corridor outside the music room, that day where he had taken her in his arms and they had danced so closely. She saw him lean in slightly.

"Jean… I…"

The moment was gone instantly as they heard the front door close with a bang. Lucien dropped her hand and even moved slightly away from her.

"Papa?"

"In the lounge," Lucien called, not meeting Jean's eyes.

Li came into the room and stopped at the sight of Jean on the couch.

"Hello Li," she smiled.

"How was the movie?" Lucien asked as he leant forward to pack up some of the papers strewn over the coffee table.

Li made a face. "It was alright, I guess. Not really my thing. Mattie seemed to like it though."

"Good, Good," Lucien murmured absent-mindedly. "Have you eaten?"

"We had some popcorn at the cinema."

"There's some soup on the stove if you want a bowl."

"Thanks Papa."

Jean placed her empty glass on the coffee table. "How are you feeling about tomorrow night Li? I've been meaning to check in on you all week. Nell assures me you're ready, and you've been doing incredibly well at rehearsals."

Li glanced at her uneasily, "Thank you Mrs Beazley. I'm feeling prepared but incredibly nervous."

Lucien looked sideways at Jean, "Sounds like somebody else I know" he muttered to her.

Li looked confused, "Sorry?"

"Nothing sweetheart." Lucien stood, "Did you want some soup?"

Jean stood too, "I should be getting home. Thanks for everything Lucien. You've been such a help." Her eyes moved to Li, who still stood in the doorway. "I'll see you tomorrow Li, Have a good sleep and try not to think about tomorrow."

Li nodded as Jean passed her.

Lucien followed Jean to the door, and as she opened it, he put his arm out to block her path. "Remember when I said you should listen to your own advice?"

Jean turned to him in the doorway, their faces inches from each other.

"Have a good sleep and try not to think about tomorrow," he repeated with a small smile.

The corners of Jeans lips twitched as she rolled her eyes, pushed his hand out of her way gently and waved goodbye.