‘Whatcha doin’?’ said Simi with a broad smile.

Meagan turned to see Simi who looked like the cat that hadn’t just got the cream but bought the dairy. She rolled her eyes. Love fools, every one of them.

‘I’m waiting,’ she said taking her attention back to Jemima and Miles.

Simi started dancing on the spot, ‘Aren’t you going to ask me about him?’

‘Who?’

‘Chance.’ Simi grinned.

‘What chance?’

‘Silly,’ said Simi nudging her, ‘you just hooked me up with him. And may I say, brava.’

‘His name is Chance?’

‘Short for Chancellor,’ said Simi excitedly, ‘and I think it’s a sign. Remember when Jemima said the word break came up when she communed with my aura. I thought it meant a break from guys but a break is also an opportunity or a chhhh…’

Simi’s words withered as she followed Meagan’s gaze across the bar.

‘Oh.’

‘Yeah – oh,’ said Meagan. ‘He’s got exactly three minutes to walk away or I’m going in.’

Without looking she clicked her fingers and a waiter scuttled over to replace her empty glass.

‘It looks like she’s having a nice time,’ offered Simi.

Meagan tutted. Cocktails had clouded Simi’s memory. She’d clearly forgotten Jemima’s post-Miles devastation, one that dwarfed even Simi’s recent pain.

‘This bloke is shit on shit’s shoes. If shit were wearing shoes, Miles would be the crap shit stepped in and said, “oh no, I’ve stepped in shit”. That’s how shit he is.’

‘That’s a little strong.’

Vesuvian rumblings brewed inside Meagan. Simi was about to get covered in lava and only had herself to blame.

‘Have you forgotten what she was like when they split up?’ said Meagan.

‘I… I have not,’ said Simi.

‘And the things she wanted to do to herself?’

‘But Meag—’

‘And how, for three weeks, we couldn’t leave her alone?’

‘Of course, I remember! But maybe she wants this… I think they’ve been talking – on the phone.’

Simi’s words lingered like a bad fart.

‘What?’ Meagan seethed, volcanic tremors rising.

‘I mean, I think so. I’m not sure. It could have been British Gas. Her boiler’s been on the blink and the water sometimes runs cold when I’m in the shower. Actually, maybe she’s got the kitchen tap on. You can never be sure, can you? Plus—’

‘She’s been talking to him?’

‘Well anyway, let’s find you a date!’ said Simi shifting to return to the other hall.

Meagan yanked Simi back.

‘I knew she was up to something. Since when?’ said Meagan ignoring Simi’s pained grimace.

‘Just leave it,’ snapped Simi pulling her arm back. ‘She’s a grown woman making her own decisions.’

Meagan steadied herself. Simi normally crumbled under interrogation.

‘We both are,’ said Simi appearing to amass confidence, ‘and it’s not your place to interfere. Earlier you said you were going to butt out. So please, do as you promised because I don’t know about Jem but I’ve had enough!’

‘Really?’ said Meagan preparing to bury Simi so deep that in years to come, archaeologists would add her petrified body to the People of Pompeii exhibition.