Helen shook her head. "So much for denial, then, huh?"

Her sister shrugged. "Maybe that's the last weird thing that'll happen to me. Except..."

"Except?"

"The six months are nearly up. I've been keeping track."

"Ah," said Helen knowingly.

Fran was oblivious. ""I thought I saw him the other day. On the train, in a new suit, like he was going for a job interview. I hope it was him, and that he's doing okay."

"Riarté was wrong. Someone has gotten through to you."

Fran smiled into her drink. "Yeah, maybe."

"I hope he does come for you."

"But he won't. Simply because this isn't a fairy story. And you can take that from an enchantress. Come on, I'll get us another round in."

"Nah, let's go to the posh place around the corner. They've this new barman."

"Cute, is he?"

"God, yes. And Welsh."

Fran looked at Helen. Helen looked at Fran. Fran raised an eyebrow.

"Is he, now?"