‘Well, I’m really happy for you,’ I tell her – and I mean it; it’s nice to see her so happy. ‘Both of you. And I’m even happier that there isn’t actually a double date lined up. I was dreading it. I suppose calling that favour is the only way you could think to get me out of the house.’

‘I can’t believe they’ve put your champagne shot inside your porn star martini,’ a voice says behind me. ‘What do they think this is, a Jägerbomb?’

His voice paralyses me. All I can do is stare ahead at Ali and Marty who are both grinning like idiots.

‘He’s behind you,’ Ali mouths at me.

After a moment’s hesitation, I finally turn around.

‘Hi,’ Freddie says.

‘Hi,’ I reply.

‘Okay, we’ll leave you two to it,’ Ali says.

She hugs me from behind, squeezing my shoulders.

‘You’re welcome,’ she whispers into my ear.

Freddie, who already has a glass of something in his hand, offers to carry my drink over to our table. A table for two. I can’t believe how well Ali has played me.

‘You look…’

‘Like Ali,’ I say, finishing his sentence. ‘Ali dressed me.’

‘I was going to say you look amazing,’ he replies.

We sit down at the table and for a moment we just laugh.

‘I can’t believe you’re here,’ I blurt.

Freddie looks so different from the last time I saw him. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve missed him or if it’s true, but he’s better-looking than I remember. His hair is neater and much shorter. He looks bigger, as if he’s found new places to store new muscles. He’s wearing trousers and a shirt appropriate for winter – I guess the version of Freddie that I knew had a tan and was always wearing summer clothing.

‘In London, or having dinner with you?’

‘Oh, are we having dinner?’ I ask, my voice getting higher and higher as my sentence goes on.

‘If you want to?’ he says.

‘Yes,’ I reply. ‘Of course. I… Oh, boy.’

When I first got here I welcomed the heat. Now I feel as if I’m sweating. I know I should be playing it cool now but I can’t. I can’t believe Freddie is here, sitting across the table from me. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever see him again.

‘It’s okay,’ he reassures me, giving my hand a brief squeeze on top of the table. ‘I’ll talk for a while, if you like? Sorry, I think… Marty and Ali thought this might be a good surprise.’

‘I am definitely surprised,’ I reply.

A young waitress places a bottle of water down on our table. She notices Freddie and smiles at him. Then she looks at me.

‘It’s okay,’ she whispers into my ear. ‘I used to get starstruck too. Just try to remember that famous people are just like you.’

Freddie laughs.

‘Remember, I’m just like you,’ Freddie jokes once we’re on our own again.

‘I just… can’t believe you’re here,’ I say for probably the millionth time. ‘I just saw you on Instagram. You were at home…’