‘Oh, and incredibly, they’re thinking the book could be ready for publication as early as September,’ Hugo said, glancing down at his phone, which had lit up with a new message. His face darkened, but he recomposed himself quickly. ‘Can you believe it? Wait till my parents hear about this.’

‘Hugo, that’s amazing. The publishers must be so impressed with the manuscript if they’re talking about bringing it out so soon.’

Hugo’s phone buzzed as two more messages chimed. Hugo checked the screen, rolled his eyes and turned the phone over, but not before Evie caught a glimpse of the name Chloe. Who’s Chloe? she wondered.

‘Are you sure you don’t need to get that?’ Evie asked. ‘Is it someone from Auklet?’

‘No, it can wait.’ Hugo reclined back on his stool. ‘I can’t believe this is happening, finally. It’s all just clicked since you came on the scene, Evie,’ he said, then paused. ‘I feel so lucky to have met you.’

Evie brimmed at the sentiment, feeling as if it had all been worth it. The disappointing first dates, the ridiculous back and forth with Freddy (which she was relieved to know hadn’t yet happened and now, probably never would), the pain of being rejected and doing the rejecting, and the sense of being surrounded by people while feeling utterly alone—Evie was slowly starting to feel like she was tied to somebody and something. She was getting her confidence back, and it was inspiring her creatively.

‘You know what we should do today?’ Hugo said, his eyes lighting up.

‘Go back to your place and continue where we left off?’ said Evie.

Hugo laughed and took her hand. ‘Let’s hire bikes!’

‘Hire bikes?’ echoed Evie.

‘Yes! We can go for a ride around Hyde Park.’

‘Why?’ Evie couldn’t remember the last time she’d ridden a bike. She wasn’t known for her athleticism.

‘Because the sun is shining! And it’s romantic! And I want to see the wind in your hair!’ said Hugo, standing up with his arms stretched out towards Evie.

Evie looked longingly at him. How could she say no to that face?

Hugo hit the bike’s brakes suddenly in front of Evie, the wheels screeching to a halt, forcing her to veer to the right before coming to a quick stop. As her feet touched the ground, she peered back around to face Hugo.

‘Is everything okay?’ she asked, swinging her leg over the seat and kicking out her bike stand. She raced over to him, placing a hand on top of his. He was breathing heavily, and she felt the slightest trembling beneath her palm. After picking up bikes near one of the entrances to the park, they’d spent the past two hours riding along the gravel paths, stopping for swigs from the champagne bottle Hugo had bought on the way, and stealing sneaky snogs.