‘I knew it. You have that vibe. I have it too. A “Single Ladies” vibe. Like Beyoncé. I’m newly single, did you know?’ Anna flaunted her lack of marital status like she had just purchased a new scarf and not broken up Evie’s family as she knew it.

‘Yeah, Evie told me. Congrats,’ Josie said, nonchalant as always.

Evie watched her mum sitting so sprightly at the end of her bed. She had a fresh blowdry and was wearing eyeliner. Evie realised she hadn’t seen her wear makeup since she’d travelled back to this time. Anna looked happy. Really, truly, elated.

‘I’m so glad you’re feeling good, Mum,’ Evie said, and she meant it. ‘But can you please stop sending me screenshots of all the men you’ve matched with on eharmony? Especially the topless ones.’

‘But they’re the best ones!’ Anna said, blushing.

Just wait until dick pics become a thing.

‘But I am happy, Eaves. And you will be too. You’ll see,’ her mum continued. ‘You don’t need another person to complete you. You’re perfectly complete as is.’

‘Thanks Mum. I know. I love you,’ Evie replied, reaching out to squeeze her hand.

‘Okay, what is this, an episode of 7th Heaven?’ Josie asked, interrupting Evie’s sentimental moment.

‘Bagsy being Mary Camden!’ Anna cried out, laughing.

Evie appraised a herringbone jacket for a moment before flipping to the next one in the rack. An unnecessary number of blazers, shirts and slim legged trousers were slung over one of her arms, and she held her phone in the other hand, opened to the ‘Lady Boss’ fashion inspiration Pinterest board she’d made that morning. Anna had offered to come with her, excitedly saying how she really wanted a mini skirt to go with her new ‘single and fabulous’ look, but Evie was worried that Anna would distract her from her own ‘single and trying to be fabulous’ mission. Grabbing one last blue-striped shirt to go with the three other blue-striped shirts she’d already collected, she made her way to the change room, her arms sagging under the weight of the clothes.

As she began to slip on a pair of mauve, velvet trousers which were the perfect mix of chic and edgy, her phone vibrated on the small stool behind her. With one leg in, Evie hopped around to face it, her heart suddenly in her throat.

Hugo.

Her phone flashed and shuddered with each ring. She wasn’t ready for this.

Before she had a chance to decide whether to pick up, the screen went blank and the call disconnected. Sighing, Evie hoisted up the trousers and buttoned them at her hips.

But clearly she wasn’t going to get away with it that easily. Her phone rang again immediately.

Evie peered at it from the corner of her eye.

‘Shit, shit, shit, shit!’ Evie hissed, jiggling up and down on the spot.