Adjusting my position on the wall so that I could lean against a pillar, I sipped on my coffee and told Leah what had happened with Mum and then with Sam on the beach.

‘Sounds like Dr Jones has the hots for you and that evil ex of his scared him off.’

‘No. I don’t think he sees me as more than a friend, although I think you’re right that her comment scared him off. He’s still grieving for Nikki. The suggestion that he was seeing someone else really hurt him.’

‘How do you feel about him?’ she asked.

‘He’s a good friend. A really good friend.’

‘But could he be more than a friend? The pair of you are so cute together.’

‘Leah! Give over with the match-making. I’m still trying to get over Scott. I’m not sure I’ll be able to trust anyone again after that. With that and everything going on at home, a new relationship isn’t exactly in my top ten of priorities at the moment. I’d say it’s not even in my top one hundred. And even if I was in a place to start seeing someone again – which I’m absolutely not – Sam’s still grieving for his fiancée so nothing about him screams potential new boyfriend. And, even if he wasn’t grieving, he lives in London where I don’t live anymore. Although, if things don’t improve with Mum, I might be begging you for my room back and Owen for my job back.’

‘It won’t come to that. Your mum and you will be best friends again in no time. She just needs handling carefully and you admitted yourself that you did exactly the opposite of that.’

Rachel opened the door a couple of hours later. ‘He’s had his dinner and he’s excited about, and I quote, “thrashing Jem at bowling because she’s rubbisher than a three-year-old”. Sounds like a fun afternoon.’

I rolled my eyes. ‘I have no defence. I am rubbish. It’s an inconsistency thing. I’ll get a strike and then I’ll miss every pin on my next few turns or only knock a couple down. Yet I swear I’m not changing my technique. Would Eden like to join us?’

‘I’m glad you asked because Logan’s already invited her. You’re sure you don’t mind?’

I smiled. ‘It’s the least I can do. I should have asked her earlier. Sorry.’

Rachel looked serious. ‘Any news from your mum?’

‘No. I texted her to say I’d taken Logan out and that I was sorry but I haven’t heard anything in return. I don’t know wha—’

With squeals of excitement, Logan and Eden thundered down the stairs, ending the conversation. They bounced up and down, each begging to go first.