I may be way off the mark here so sorry if I am but I have to ‘say’ this. I really like you, Sam, and I know that you like me too. You don’t go over and above like you’ve done for someone you don’t reckon much to. I know you felt that instant connection when we met and we’ve both said it feels like we’ve known each other for ages. We may only have met recently but we’ve been through some intense times together. I value your friendship and I value your counsel and I’m pretty sure you feel the same about me. This morning was another great example of us supporting each other through tough times and I was looking forward to continuing to be there for you. Then your vicious ex appeared and started spouting her crap. I don’t know which part of it hit a nerve or whether it all did but you need to know that what she said this morning wasn’t worth the breath it took for her to say it. If you’re pulling away because I’ve asked too much of our fledgling friendship and you need some time to yourself, I understand. I have been pretty needy. But if you’re pulling away because of that absolute bollocks that Kirsty said, I urge you to think again. I know you’re not ready to move on from Nikki and I’m not asking you to. I’m still trying to get over Scott. Neither of us is ready for a relationship with each other or with anyone else. But I didn’t think that’s what we were building up to. You never gave me the impression you wanted more and I hope I didn’t either. I thought we were building a friendship. If that’s what you still want, please stay in touch as you may be my newest friend but you’re someone I want to keep in my life xx

How was I supposed to respond to that?

The following Saturday, I sat in the campervan at the same services I’d stopped at with Jemma a week ago. Pretty much the same parking space too. I stared out of the window, half-expecting her to bound down the steps with a McFlurry in each hand and a packet of wine gums dangling from her teeth. Had it really only been a week ago? Seemed longer.

Digging my phone out of my pocket, I scrolled through the text conversation I’d had with Jemma on Sunday night, reading and re-reading every message.

I hadn’t replied to that final long one. I hadn’t known what to say. I’d decided to sleep on it and hopefully get my thoughts in gear. Yet I wasn’t any clearer on how to respond by Monday night so I slept on it again.