Evie had called Ben as soon as she’d left Poppy’s and, thankfully, he was home and willing to take guests. Ben and Josie’s flat was ‘rustic’, with mismatched furniture collected from Gumtree, as well as homelier items like paisley decorative cushions, throws and rabbinical themed artwork which his mother had just happened to find lying around and thought might brighten up the place. Then there was Josie’s contribution. A closet horticulturist with a very specific love of miniature potted plants, there were few surfaces in the flat which didn’t have something growing on them. The resulting effect was an assault on the eyes, but the chaos also added to the charm.

‘What a move, just walking away like that,’ Ben continued. ‘So Sandra Dee. So Gandalf. So Princess Leia. So—’

‘Benny, I get it. I’m a boss. But that doesn’t change how unsettling it all was. I just wish things could go back to the way they were.’ Evie wasn’t sure whether she meant before Chloe turned up on her doorstep, or before she herself had turned up in the past.

Ben sighed. ‘And you’re really not going to call her?’

‘I don’t know,’ Evie mumbled.

‘I thought I heard voices,’ came a high-pitched voice, interrupting them. Josie was home. She sauntered into the room and collapsed on the couch next to Evie. ‘How lovely, you’re here,’ she said, looking decidedly displeased. The last time Evie had visited, Josie had accused her of excessive breathing, which increased the humidity levels in the room and put her plants at risk of dehydration.

‘Pleasure to see you too, Josie.’

‘What’s up with you? I’m sensing a mood,’ Josie said, peering at her more closely.

‘I’m fine. Just had an uncomfortable run-in with one of Hugo’s exes,’ Evie replied.

‘Go on,’ Josie said, trying to contain her curiosity.

Evie filled her in, including the fact that she now had Chloe’s number.

‘So, you’re going to call her, right?’ Josie said when Evie finally drew a breath—but not too many, lest she harm the plants!

‘No way!’ Ben said. ‘She’s got to trust Hugo.’

‘Ben, please, what does this chick have to gain by stirring the pot? She’s the vulnerable one here: nobody ever believes the woman. Especially not the spurned ex! Hear her out, and then you can decide whether you broach the topic with Hugo. What have you got to lose?’ Josie crossed her arms as if she had just delivered an Atticus Finch–worthy closing argument.

‘And I say, speak to Hugo first. There’s no point keeping secrets. Honesty is key,’ Ben said firmly.

‘Said the white male,’ Josie scoffed.

Evie groaned and put her head in her hands. ‘I think I know what I need to do.’

The other two looked at her expectantly.

‘I really need to … inhale some of that apple strudel I saw on your counter.’