Our gazes lock, and I’m just so lost. I want to hate him, but I always knew if I saw him again it’d be like this. It just always was like this between us. We had this way of slipping into easy conversation even if it seemed like we were sniping at each other.

“Mummy, I’m finished.”

Melly’s voice shakes me out of my stupor, and I focus on her. “Good girl. I’ll get these plates washed and we’ll get out of here.”

“What are you doing for the rest of the day?” Josh asks.

“As little as possible.”

“Want to come up to the house? Richard’s got this pretty kick-ass entertainment system and about a billion movies. I’m sure there’s something we can all watch.”

It’s tempting. But then I look at Melly and steel my resolve. How can I be sure I can trust him? If he hasn’t worked it out already, then spending time with us will only bring that moment closer to him.

And I’m not ready for that.

“Thanks, but no. I’ve got so much to do at home before school and work tomorrow. I’ve already lost half a day working.”

His expression falls, and I almost cave, but this isn’t any good for either of us. Once the movie’s finished, he’ll move on and leave us behind. There’s no point in getting too attached.

No matter what my heart tries to tell me.

“Another time?” he asks.

“Maybe. We’ll have to see.”

“I guess I should make my way back.” He says it, but doesn’t move, his hand lingering on the bench.

I look at the door. “You didn’t run all the way from the house, did you?”

He shakes his head. “No, I parked about two miles away. Just wanted to get some exercise.”

“Fair enough.”

An uncomfortable silence falls over us. I don’t know why he’s hanging around or wanting to spend time with us, and I don’t really want to ask him. I’m well aware that I’m sending him mixed signals, but when he’s nearby, my brain cells up and run away leaving me to fumble my way through our encounters.

“I’ll see you again soon. I’d really love to catch up properly with you,” he says.

I nod. “Sure.”

“Bye, Josh,” Melly says.

“Goodbye, Amelia. Have a good day at school tomorrow.”

She beams, and with a nod he turns and walks out. Part of me wants to run after him and tell him that we’ll come with him, but instead I grip the counter and just watch.

“I’ll just lock up and we’ll get out of here,” I say.

Melly climbs down off the stool.