“Wow, that’s quite the milk run.”

“Yeah, but it’s been brilliant. I’m so glad I came.”

“Me too. You know, my sister lives in the UK.” So does James, Sarah. I pushed the thought aside. I hadn’t told Siobhan about James. I’d never had enough time alone with her to go into it—and it seemed like a betrayal to talk about him while I was in Hawaii with Josh. Ironic, I know, but it was easier for me to have two boyfriends if I compartmentalised them.

“And I’ve never been to Ireland,” I added. “I should come see you the next time I’m in your part of the world.”

“Oh, my god, I’d love it. You absolutely must come—I’ve told you before and I mean it. You can stay with me. We’ve—sorry, I’ve …” I heard her voice catch and I rested my hand on her arm in encouragement. “As I was saying, I’ve got a great little place in the heart of the city, and I’ve even got a spare room. Feels weird sometimes, when I have to say ‘I’ instead of ‘we’.”

“It’s still very recent—totally understandable. Anyway, we’re connected on Facebook and I’ll send you my email address too. We can keep in touch for sure.”

“Grand.” She hugged me. “I’m so glad I found you and Josh.” I squeezed her back.

“And Paddy,” I added.

We pulled apart. “Oh, yes, and dear Paddy. What a way to get over Liam. My god, that boy has the best abs I’ve ever felt in my life!” I laughed. “And what about you two?” she asked, leaning in and lowering her voice. I looked over her shoulder at Josh, who was deep in conversation with Paddy.

Looking back at Siobhan, I shrugged, a wry smile on my face. I spoke quietly. “The sex part is good—no, actually, it’s great—and we’re close friends. I love being with him, but I don’t know. We still haven’t talked about ‘us’, and if I’m truthful, it doesn’t seem like Josh is at the same point in his life as I am. At least, not anymore. And even if he does decide he wants to be with me, he seems stuck, and I’m not sure what that means for us.”

It was only as the words tumbled out of my mouth that I realised what I was saying, and a wave of sadness swept over me.

Siobhan looked rightfully concerned, but I didn’t want the conversation to turn even more morose, so I plastered a smile on my face. “But let’s not worry about all that—plenty of time to dissect it all when I get home. So, now, you, tomorrow. Can we have breakfast together so we can say goodbye properly?”

“Absolutely—done. I’ll meet you downstairs at eight.” Eight? On New Year’s Day?? Ugh. But she was leaving, and I adored her, so I would do it. Josh would too, although he didn’t know it yet. “Now, you’re not leaving yet, are you?” she asked.