While a little surprised by her plan, and the fact that Ben was third-wheeling, Hugo seemed to have taken the whole anniversary event in his stride. Ben also seemed to be getting along with him, laughing at his jokes and chatting about their respective artistic dreams. The two of them had spent the last hour preparing the perfect dinner, while Evie lit candles and scattered rose petals, which Ben had collected from the floor of Evie’s bedroom, where a final few, slightly wilted roses remained. And now the time had come. Her dad would be home any minute.

‘How should I introduce myself to your parents?’ Hugo asked, perched at the kitchen bench with his legs crossed. Evie blushed. She hadn’t quite thought this through. They’d only got together recently and already she was introducing him to her family. Not to mention, in the strangest and most awkward way.

‘Tell them you’re my friend,’ Ben said, punching him on the arm like they were old mates.

Thank god for Ben, thought Evie, smiling at him appreciatively.

Hugo nodded, obviously relieved. But still, Evie felt uneasy.

And then they all froze as they heard keys jangling at the front door. Evie opened her eyes wide, giving Ben the signal.

‘Mr Berry, welcome home!’ Ben called out jovially.

Hugo and Evie looked at each other, holding back a laugh. This whole thing was ludicrously extravagant. The smell of pasta bake and chocolate souffle flooded the air, and their faces were lit by the flicker of the many candles they had positioned around the room. It was the perfect, over-the-top romantic gesture to make her mum realise her dad still cared.

‘This whole thing is a bit excessive,’ Evie said by way of apology.

‘I think it’s sweet you’re doing all this for your parents,’ Hugo replied, sneaking a kiss.

Evie gazed at him longingly. He looked even better in the warm glow of candlelight. She would have to remember that for future dates.

‘Not many people would be so on board with all this.’

‘I wouldn’t necessarily do it for just any person,’ he said with a smile.

Ben came marching back into the kitchen with the wrapped present, which he handed to Evie.

‘Okay. Your dad has very reluctantly agreed to go along with it all and is getting changed—I think mostly to get me to leave his bedroom.’ Ben seemed exhilarated, flapping his arms around wildly as he spoke.

‘Great! Thanks Benny.’ Evie clapped. ‘Now, we wait.’

Not long after, Meg and Anna came through the door chatting. Anna frowned, clearly surprised by the aroma of cooking coming from the kitchen and at the sight of Hugo. Meg, however, looked delighted.

‘What’s going on here?’ Anna asked, still ogling Hugo.

‘Mum, this is Hugo,’ said Evie, a trifle awkward.

‘Are you the H from the flowers?’ asked Meg.

Hugo laughed. ‘I sure am.’