‘Only that he should think himself lucky you were on the rebound after Matthew, as he was punching so high it’s a wonder he didn’t get altitude sickness. Honestly, Grace, he really is a bit bottom of the barrel, to be fair. Anyway, enough about Bernie and that dollop, Phil: tell me about Italy. And Ellis. What’s he like? He’s American isn’t he? Has he made a move on you yet?’

‘Shhhussshh,’ Grace instinctively said, conscious that Ellis was on the other side of the adjoining wall. ‘That’s the other reason I’m calling you.’

‘Oooh! Have you snogged him then?’ Jamie asked, his voice full of glee.

‘Nooo. Of course I haven’t,’ Grace admonished.

‘Well, you could do worse. I heard he’s a bit of a catch, to put it in Betty’s words.’

‘What do you mean? When did you and Betty talk about Ellis?’

‘That time I was waiting for you, before we went over to Connie’s flat. Between me and you, I got the impression that she’s hoping cupid might make a little appearance while you two are in bella Italia,’ he said with a flourish.

‘Don’t be daft,’ she reacted.

‘Well, Betty said you and he would make such a lovely couple.’

‘But he has a girlfriend,’ she told him, wondering why Betty would say such a thing, or perhaps Jamie was embellishing the conversation with Betty; it wouldn’t be the first time he’d tried to engineer a hook-up. When she had first split up with Matthew, Jamie had tried to set up a blind date for her with one of the doctors at the hospital where he worked … and it had all been very awkward.

‘Really? Oh that’s a shame, Betty never mentioned it,’ Jamie said, sounding deflated. ‘Or maybe Betty doesn’t like the girlfriend? Yes, that could be it … perhaps the whole family hates her and this trip to Italy is a big plan to sideline her in favour of you. Oh Grace, wouldn’t that be amazing? You could live in LA or wherever it is he comes from. Of course, I’d have to join you, what with being your best friend and all,’ he laughed, seemingly having it all worked out.

‘New York. He lives in New York,’ Grace interjected, and then promptly followed up with, ‘but don’t get carried away. He’s getting engaged. And anyway, there’s absolutely nothing going on between Ellis and me.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes I’m sure. But …’ Grace stopped talking.

‘I knew it. Something has happened hasn’t it?’

‘No. Well, yes, he’s been a bit flirty … I think.’