But Harvey: what would he have to say about it?

My stomach churned at the prospect of broaching the subject without him taking it as a personal affront, without him accusing me of prioritizing my job over our relationship, and making him jealous that my career was taking off when coming to London had been his idea, his dream. A few months ago it wouldn’t have crossed my mind to worry about his reaction, but since he’d been at that gym he’d changed. I knew if I failed to pick the right moment there was every chance he’d fly into one of his rages followed by days of seething silence. By the time I’d reached the Garden of Remembrance to pick up where I’d left off, I was in a cold sweat. Hot acid rushed from my stomach to my throat. I was going to be sick. I dashed behind a row of conifers and coughed into shrubbery.

What a mess.

Chapter 2

Harvey Nesbitt was the most handsome, charismatic and devoted boyfriend I’d ever had. Not only that, his enthusiasm, energy and go-get-’em attitude had captured my imagination and ultimately my heart after we met through a dating app last year. He was a trier, was Harvey, and I’d been bowled over by his optimistic outlook on life. He thought nothing of changing careers, taking up new challenges, moving city … He seemed to take it all in his stride.