‘This is Andriu,’ she says, grinning before sticking her tongue out and crossing her eyes. Andriu can’t see what she’s doing because he’s behind her. He’s wearing jeans, a white T-shirt and a leather jacket – and if it wasn’t 2015 I’d say he was hoping to join the cast of Grease. His dark hair hangs loosely to one side of his tanned face. Andriu is a good bit taller than I am and either he works out a lot or he’s been blessed by the God of genes.

‘Andriu, pleased to meet you,’ I say, stepping closer and holding my hand out. He moves forward and takes it, shaking it slowly while his dark eyes hold my stare.

‘He’s here about the room to rent,’ Tara says, standing behind him now.

‘He is?’ I say, replying to Tara but still staring at Andriu. It’s like he has me under a spell. When he eventually releases his grip on my hand I turn away from him.

‘Are you studying at the college?’ I ask. It’s the only place we have advertised the room so I’m guessing he is.

‘Sort of.’

‘Sort of? How can you be “sort of” studying?’

‘I’m sort of studying too,’ Tara adds in the background, hoping to get a laugh. But it’s like we don’t hear her.

‘My work is top secret,’ he says, smiling and showing off a mouthful of gleaming teeth. I take a deep breath. This guy is gorgeous.

‘And yourself?’ he asks.

‘Medicine.’

‘Ouch, brainy and sexy.’

He has me now. It’s not just his good looks, his broad shoulders or his addictive smile, there’s something very mature and sexy about him. Like he has a world of experience behind him and yet remains calm. Whatever it is, he’s definitely different to the usual college guys who are always trying too hard. He’s cool. That’s it. Andriu is cool.

‘And will you be looking to move in soon if we decide you’re a suitable candidate?’ I ask, but before he can answer, I say, ‘But let me warn you, we have parties here most weekends so if that doesn’t suit…’

‘I’m sure I can live with that,’ he says, stepping towards the sink and looking out into the back garden.

‘Before you ask, she’s not ours, she was here when we got here.’ Tara giggles.

‘Who?’ Andriu says.

‘Holy Mary, the statue by the wall.’

Andriu chuckles then turns his attention back to me. I want to offer him the room straight away… and join him in it. But I have to discuss it with Tara. We’ll need a reference. I don’t want to get caught out again like we did with Robin.

‘I can give you a month in advance,’ he says, as if reading my mind. Andriu takes his wallet from his back pocket.