‘Will do.’ I clicked the phone shut, then made my way over to the bar where I intended to send out texts. It was then that I saw that there was going to be no need, because sitting at the bar was a familiar figure. He was turned away but I knew immediately who it was from the shape of his back, his head. I stood for a moment as I took in the implication. Mystery over. It was Michael. Beautiful Michael, dressed in a navy linen suit and looking cool and unruffled. At that moment, my mobile rang and I moved over behind a display to take the call.

‘Bea,’ said Marcia’s voice, ‘I’m so glad I caught you.’

‘Oh. Why? Has something happened?’

‘Yes and no. Sam called about an hour after you’d gone. He said he found us through Harvest Moon. He wanted your mobile number.’

‘Sam Gorman?’

‘Yes. I didn’t give it to him because I remembered what you told us about his sister saying he was trouble. I said I’d have to ask you first, so he’s waiting for me to call him back. Maybe he’s The One?’

‘Oh! No. Definitely no. I know who is. I’m standing looking at him now.’

‘What? Who?’

‘Michael. Long story short, I was late getting to the airport, but I’m here now and the flight’s been cancelled—’

‘Oh no—’

‘It’s OK. I’m getting a later one …’

‘I don’t understand. So how do you know it’s Michael?’

‘He’s here, at the bar, six feet away. He hasn’t seen me yet.’

‘Ah. So he was booked on the same flight.’

‘Looks like it.’

‘And planned to surprise you on board? So romantic.’

‘Yes but … Marcia, strange thing is, I’m not sure how I feel about it.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘About it being him. You know more than anyone how I felt about him back in the day – thought he was the one who got away – but now he’s here, I feel … I feel … I think I feel disappointed.’

‘Disappointed?’

‘Well, not the elation I thought I would feel if it was him. I didn’t realize this until now, standing here, faced with the possibility of being with him, only now I realize I don’t want it to be him. We’re over. We were over a long time ago.’ At that moment, Michael turned around and spotted me. ‘Oh God, he’s seen me. I have to go.’

‘Call me,’ said Marcia, as I clicked my phone shut and went to greet Michael, who had got off his stool and was coming over with a huge grin on his face.

‘Bea,’ he said. ‘What are you doing here?’

I laughed. ‘No need to keep up the pretence any longer.’ I indicated the departure board. ‘Best-laid plans and all that.’

Michael looked up at the board. He looked confused.