He waved as he turned the car, heading off to take Rosie the lovingly prepared dinner, including napkins, candle, candle-holder, even matches, and his expression was open and cheerful. Cat went inside, to immerse herself in catching up on patient notes in the hope of putting it all out of her mind. Maybe it would be fine, Rosie would give him a welcome, they would talk and restore their friendship, if nothing more.

The country route was as usual until Sam reached the ford through Denningham, which had flooded across the road, and he had to take a detour, then another, as local radio was giving priority to reports of the river through Lafferton being dangerously high. The journey to Rosie took him nearly twice as long as usual, but her light was on, he could make out the line of her head bent over the desk. She worked too hard, too long, too late, she had done ever since he had known her, but it meant she would do well, she was a highflyer intent on being at the top as soon as possible, when she had finally decided on the branch of medicine lucky enough to get her. His own indecision would have irritated her had she not, rather to her own surprise, suffered from it too.

He managed to ring the bell, holding on to the box and a chill bag. Since moving to London he wasn’t there to insist that she take a work break, eat, go for a run. He ought to be back with her, seeing to all of that, whatever their actual relationship.

Quick footsteps.

‘Oh.’

‘Hi, Rosie. I know you’re not eating properly, I have second sight, so I’ve brought your supper.’

Rosie looked at him, then at the box, the bag. Back to him.

‘Can you let me in before I drop these? I’ve got absolutely everything, you don’t even need to pour water, there’s a bottle straight from our fridge, only it took such an age to get here, the roads are all flooded, so it probably won’t be very cold now. The food needs putting in the oven anyway so –’

‘What is all this?’

‘Your supper. I said. Boeuf bourguignon, rice, beans and carrots, a –’

‘I didn’t ask you to be the Deliveroo man.’

‘I know, but look, please either take the chill bag or let me in. It’s heavy.’

‘No.’

‘I’m going to drop them, idiot.’

‘You have to put them back in the car, Sam.’

‘But it’s your supper.’

‘I’ve eaten.’

‘Ha, I don’t believe that one, unless it was a banana. Come on . . .’

‘Sam . . . please. It’s very kind and thoughtful, but honestly, I would prefer you to take it back now. I’ve got my head down and I have actually had a proper supper.’

He looked at her. Looked again.