So many times I’d almost invited him to come over for dinner, but as much as I desperately yearned to have my family together again at the table, I didn’t want to push him too far too fast. For this reason, I’d been counting on another week in the clinic. We were getting along so well that I hoped Adrian might actually make the first move towards proper reconciliation if we spent just a little longer together.

But one phone call from Kristen sent all my hopes plummeting and put a certain pressure on the next couple of hours. I had to make the most of them because once they were over, we’d be back to seeing each other once a week at Payton’s soccer game.

By the time Adrian’s last patient left, Lauren and the other podiatrists were long gone. I ran my hands through my hair and checked my reflection in a little mirror Kristen kept in her desk as I waited for him to emerge from his consulting room.

‘You’re still here?’ he said when he finally came out about ten minutes later, quickly shoving his phone into his pocket. My heart hitched a beat as I wondered what he’d been doing on it. Even after our pleasant week working together, I still felt anxious every time I saw him busy on his phone. Especially if he was smiling or laughing quietly.

‘Just tidying up a few things,’ I lied. ‘Making sure everything is in order for Kristen’s return next week.’

He nodded. ‘Excellent. Thank you.’

I picked up my handbag and went to the door where he held it open for me.

‘I owe you one, Ash. Don’t know what I’d have done without you this week.’

Warmth flushed through me and it took all my self-control not to beam like a crazy person. ‘It’s been my pleasure,’ I said as we walked towards our cars. ‘I always enjoy working here and I’m actually thinking of looking for a more permanent job.’

He frowned. ‘What kind of job?’

‘I don’t know. Maybe some kind of reception work. Or something in a shop. Anything really to get me back in the workforce.’

‘What about the kids?’

‘They’re growing up. As you say, you’ve managed to work and take care of them. We always planned on me going back to work eventually. Maybe we could throw some more after-school work to Topaz to make it happen?’

‘Maybe. But what about all your committees?’

‘I think I might be done with them anyway.’ Payton only had a couple of years left of primary school and high school required a lot less parent involvement. ‘It’s time for me to bring some money into our household.’

Possibly money for Adrian and I to spend on couples therapy or that holiday that was long overdue.