‘Beware of a man who’s just come out of a long-term relationship,’ said Heather. ‘Either they need a lot of counselling or they can be on the rebound and, a bit like Jon, need to find out that they’re still attractive. Stuart probably needs some space to orientate himself as a single man and discover what he wants. I would advise against getting too involved with him too soon.’

‘Yes, but don’t forget, I was secretly in love with him for years but … we haven’t even kissed but I do like being with him, always have.’

Heather sighed. ‘Tough one. Maybe get drunk and sleep with all of them then we can reconvene.’

‘You’re both a fat lot of help. Give them space, no, no, sleep with them: your advice is completely contradictory.’

‘Or we could do a sort of test for them and look at all their skills, not just their sexual prowess,’ said Marcia, ‘like cooking, tidying up in the home, how are they at communication? God, the list could be endless.’

I laughed. ‘A test sounds a bit harsh, they all have feelings too. In the meantime, I don’t want to hurt anyone by giving them the wrong impression. I mean, three dates with different men in a week, can you imagine how they’d feel if they found out?’

‘You’re not in a relationship with any of them, nor have you made any commitments,’ said Heather.

‘All the same, I don’t think any of them would be happy about it.’

*

When we reached the OXO Tower, we got the lift up to the restaurant and a waiter found us a table near the window. As he led us towards it, I did a double take. There was Jon at the corner table where I had sat with him only a week ago. He wasn’t alone. He was with a very attractive blonde lady who was laughing at something he had said. I watched as he took her hand, turned it over and kissed her palm. I went straight over and the look on his face was priceless.

‘Bea!’

‘Jon. How fabulous to see you.’ I looked at his companion and waited for him to introduce us.

‘Oh yes, Bea, this is Amy; Amy, Bea.’

‘Hi Amy. Lovely to meet you.’ I indicated the brasserie. ‘Great place this, isn’t it?’

She nodded. ‘Very nice.’

‘Having lunch?’ I asked.

They both nodded. Jon looked as if he’d like the ground to open up and swallow him.

‘Me too. I’m with my friends,’ I said, and pointed back to where Marcia and Heather were standing by the bar. ‘So. You two? Lunch, then afterwards a boat trip down to Greenwich?’

‘Yes. How did you know?’ asked Amy.

‘I know it’s a favourite of Jon’s. Anyway, better go. My friends are waiting. Have a great day.’

‘You too,’ said Amy.