‘Brendan. Don’t. I’m begging you. It’ll just make things a million times worse for me. They’ll just get a warning and then they’ll know it was us who caused trouble for them. And you’re not the one who has to walk past them every day with a kid.’

I stare at her, feeling sick. I can’t bear the idea of Tabs and Marlowe feeling scared every time they enter their own fucking building. And what about Marlowe’s parents? They must feel desperately unsafe when they come here.

‘Fine. You can move in with me. I have loads of space, and Mark will be thrilled, and you can play the piano whenever you want, and⁠—’

‘Bren. We’re not moving in with you. Don’t be ridiculous,’ she says, but her face is soft. ‘We’re not in a relationship. I’m your employee, and yes, you’ve been a very good friend to me and Tabs these past few weeks, and we’re so grateful. But no one is moving in with anyone.’

This is crazy. I understand somewhere deep down that Marlowe is her own person and is entitled to call the shots in her own life, but it’s beyond frustrating that she refuses to listen when I so clearly know what’s best for her.

‘For someone who’s as amazing a mother as you are, you’re very cavalier about Tabby’s safety,’ I spit out. I regret the words as soon as I’ve said them. ‘I’m sorry. That was a dick move. I’m so sorry, love.’

Her eyes prick with tears, and I hate myself. My only goal this evening was to bring happiness and hope to her, and I’ve gone and ruined it by being a giant bellend.

‘I do everything I can to keep her safe and well, and you know it. But I’m a normal person with limitations on what I can provide for her. Right now, I’m prioritising her health, which, thanks to you, has turned a corner. But I’m not in a position to sweep her off to some fancy enclave in Chelsea or other places that feel like fantasy lands. I live in the real world, with dangers and shitty neighbours. Like everyone else, I just have to suck it up and do my best and hope the universe doesn’t hate me enough to throw a mugging onto the shit show I’m already dealing with.’

I can’t bear it. I wish I could tug her into my arms and squeeze her as hard as I can. ‘You’re amazing. You’re doing amazing, and I’m an entitled prick. But it fucking kills me to see you living like this when you work so hard and deserve so much.’ And when I could give you the moon if you let me.