I went back over to Marcia and Heather, who were now seated at our table.

‘Unbelievable,’ said Marcia.

‘I know. At least it makes my dilemma a bit easier,’ I said as I sat down. ‘He’s off the list, which leaves us with two.’

‘Hold on a minute,’ said Heather. ‘Why’s Jon off the list?’

‘I think that’s pretty obvious,’ I said.

‘Not at all,’ said Heather. ‘I know Jon hasn’t been my favourite of the contestants, but just because he’s having lunch with someone shouldn’t rule him out. As we said before, it’s not as if you are in a relationship, and anyway, pot? Kettle? You can’t take the moral high ground here. You’ve just dated three men in one week. How do you think Jon would feel about that if he knew? Or Stuart or Michael feel if they knew they were names on a list?’

Marcia nodded. ‘Fair point.’

‘I suppose,’ I said. ‘Fickle, my name is Bea. I don’t know what’s come over me lately.’ I felt disgruntled about seeing Jon with a companion, but Heather was right, I had no claim to him and we’d made no promises.

‘Have you asked any of them if they sent you the gifts?’ asked Heather.

‘I have. Jon said it was definitely him, but then he would, wouldn’t he? And I don’t know why but I’m not sure I believe him.’

‘Or maybe you just don’t want to believe him,’ said Heather. ‘Secretly you know who you want the presents to be from, and I reckon that’s Michael.’

‘He acted all enigmatic when I asked him if he’d sent me anything, and said it would ruin the mystery if he was to say yes or no. I haven’t asked Stuart yet.’

‘So ask him,’ said Heather. ‘Text him now. Go on, get your phone out.’

I did as I was told and sent Stuart a quick message. Hi, quick question, someone has been sending me lovely gifts, is it you? Bea.

A message pinged back within seconds. Am unclear. Who do you think they’re from? S.

I texted. Not sure.

His reply came back instantly. Clearly you have more than one admirer if you’re having to ask. S.

‘Oh dear,’ I said as I read the message, then showed Heather and Marcia. ‘He sounds pissed off.’

‘Hmm. I wonder, is that because he sent the gifts and thought it was obvious they were from him? Or because he didn’t send the gifts but now knows he has competition?’ asked Marcia.

‘And there’s no guarantee that whoever sent them was Billy, Bea’s soulmate from another life,’ said Heather, ‘and surely he’s the one she wants to find. Just because someone has been sending gifts doesn’t necessarily mean he’s The One.’

‘How do you feel about it all?’ asked Heather.