Cath raises an eyebrow. Only enough to show interest, but I know Cath, and I know her instinct isn’t that this is a great idea.

‘Oh?’

‘Well, he’s been spending a fair bit of time at mine anyway,’ I say. ‘More and more, actually. And I’m relying on Mum and Dad to help me out with the mortgage still, and Tom’s being put up in one of his boss’s rentals, so it makes sense. I get some help with the bills, his boss gets his flat back, and we move things on to the next level.’

‘Quite soon, though, isn’t it?’ Cath says, in a tone of voice which ensures the question answers itself.

‘Maybe, but so what? If we click and we get on, what’s the difference between now and six months’ time?’

‘Erm, because he might be a complete idiot who you don’t want to live with?’

‘In that case I’m better off finding that out sooner rather than later, aren’t I?’

Cath cocks her head and raises her eyebrows briefly. ‘I suppose that’s one way of looking at it.’

‘Anyway, it’s not as if I’m going to be adding his name to the deeds or anything. It’s just a bit of help contributing towards the bills, gives me some company and means we get to see if we’re actually able to live together. Seems daft me floating around in there by myself, struggling to make ends meet while he’s stuck in his boss’s pokey flat.’ I can tell by the look on Cath’s face that she’s really not keen on the idea. ‘What is it?’ I ask her.

‘Nothing. I just think you’re rushing into things, that’s all.’

‘Come on, Cath. I’ve been on my own for months. It’s hardly rushing, is it?’

‘Yeah, and the first bloke to come sniffing around gets moved in within a fortnight. I know the whole Matt thing ruined you, but I don’t think this is the right way to get over it. You need to give yourself a bit more time. I don’t want you getting hurt again, Grace. I’m just looking out for you, that’s all.’

In that moment, I’m not sure I believe her.

7

When I get home, I call Tom. I just need someone who’s on my side right now. I don’t mention the conversation I had with her about him possibly moving in. As far as I’m concerned, she’s ruined that for me and it’s impossible to get excited about the prospect at the moment. All I can see is her disapproving face.

‘How was it?’ Tom asks.

‘Oh, you know, the usual.’

‘Did you pass on my apology for the other week? I still feel terrible about that.’

‘I did. Apology accepted, she says. I think she’s got bigger worries on her plate right now.’ I figure it’s best to make less of an issue out of it than it needs to be. Once Cath gets to know the real Tom, she’ll have forgotten all about their first meeting. And Tom doesn’t need to know about Cath’s feelings. She doesn’t even know him yet.