I leaned on the back of the sofa, watching him. ‘You can tell me to mind my own business, but there’s something about Thor that upsets you, isn’t there?’

He paused for a moment with his back to me, arm partway through his sleeve. He sighed then finished pulling it on. ‘It’s a long story.’

He still had his back to me so I got off the sofa and walked over to him. ‘I don’t have any plans for the rest of the evening.’

Sam turned round and looked at me, clearly battling with something, although I couldn’t imagine what. ‘Another time.’

He held my gaze for a while, then smiled and seemed to relax. ‘Thanks, though. You’ve got my number. As I said, Drew seems calm now, but if he loses it again, call me and I’ll be straight over.’ He leaned in and gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek. ‘It was great meeting you tonight. I’m not sure we finished our discussion about your mum so text me with some dates when you’re free again.’

‘You’re sure you don’t mind?’

‘Happy to help. Maybe without the drama next time, though. I’m not sure I can handle so much excitement on a school night.’

I laughed. ‘Thanks for everything tonight, at the pub, and here.’

‘I’m glad Drew got his closure. It’s hard to let go otherwise.’ That distant look was back again for a moment before he smiled. ‘Night, Jemma.’

‘Night, Sam.’

I stood at the top of the stairs, leaning against the door, exactly where Tiff had stood earlier, and watched Sam trot down the steps, looking up and waving on the bend.

Closure. I nodded. Everyone needed closure. I closed the door and reached in my bag for my phone. In his final text to me, Scott had said not to get in touch but sod him. I needed to do this for me. Curling up on the settee, I started typing:

✉︎ To Scott