‘Yeah and I – me and my girlfriend – had been thinking of making a move down here anyway. You know that addiction rehab charity I work for? Well, they’re opening a new centre near Truro and need a counsellor so I applied and got the job. Tilly’s managed to get a post as a teaching assistant down here, starting in September.’

Gabe fought the temptation to swear. Ryan seemed to have everything worked out. ‘Does this mean you’re moving back permanently?’

‘Might do. We’ve found a cottage to rent in Roche while we decide. Tilly loves it, and her kids love it. They’re great lads. I’ve missed Cornwall.’

‘But Sam doesn’t know,’ said Gabe, anger with Ryan bubbling beneath the relief that he was still keeping his life on track. ‘Unless you’ve managed to tell her in the past hour.’

‘I haven’t told her. I was testing out the water.’

‘By hanging around the festival. Jesus, Ryan, why did you take a big risk like that? She might have seen you.’

‘I’ve been careful. I’d no idea she’d walk on stage with you and we’ve been through it before, Gabe. I was in a mess for years when I got out. I’d caused enough trouble and seeing her and Zennor again would have meant coming clean about everything. For both of us. But …’ He paused and sat down on the leather sofa. ‘I think it’s time. I can’t do it unless you agree. I presume you and her – well, it’s all on again?’ He grinned. ‘Despite me.’

Gabe swallowed an expletive. ‘Whatever you think is on again, you’re wrong. Sam still hasn’t forgiven me for turning you in, let alone for the other stuff you had planned. She’s come to terms with it to a degree and she and I – well, let’s say it’s early days between us. Very early days and I don’t want that jeopardised in any way.’

‘So you don’t want me to tell her I’m back in Cornwall?’

Gabe groaned. ‘Yes, I do.’ He walked to the window, unable to look at Ryan. ‘I do want you to, but not today or tomorrow. Not yet. Shit. She’s coming round tomorrow night after the festival ends.’

‘Shall we tell her then?’

‘I don’t know. Maybe. Hell. Yes, I suppose so.’

‘There’s never gonna be a good time, mate, if you don’t mind me saying. I have to be back for a meeting at the new centre on Monday so, you know, if we’re going to do it, then we should just get it over with and take the fallout.’

Gabe put his head in his hands. ‘Remind me again why I ever agreed to keep your secret from Sam? Why I carried on doing this and helping you?’