Everything is wonderful, until something casts a dark shadow over the day. Literally, even with my eyes closed, I can tell that the sun has disappeared all of a sudden. I open my eyes and see Daniel standing over me.

‘Hello,’ he says.

‘What?’ I ask, making no time for pleasantries with the man who ruined my life.

‘Can we ask a favour, please?’ he starts as Eva steps out from behind him, a cocktail in each hand. ‘Can we have that sunlounger? It’s the only available one on the whole beach, and we’ve got our drinks now – even if we can just use the table…’

I want to tell him to get lost – to go and sit in the sea, for all I care. But they don’t sound like the words of someone who isn’t bothered, do they? I’ll sound very bothered if I say that – or petty at the least. I’m trying to be the bigger person here, or at least seem it.

I glance at Ali. She lifts her sunglasses and narrows her eyes at me, telepathically imploring me to say no. Freddie, on the other hand, gives me an encouraging smile.

‘Sure,’ I reply. ‘Why not?’

‘It’s nice that we can all still hang out,’ Eva says.

If I’m being honest, I think she’s being more of a bimbo than a bitch. She’s always been a bit dim, and a complete lack of understanding of this situation only goes to prove it. If I were her, I’d be mortified, and if I saw the look on Ali’s face, I’d probably fear for my life. Perhaps she finds confidence in knowing me, knowing that I’d never physically hurt her – I’d definitely give Ali an alibi though.

‘Hey, Lila,’ Freddie says to snatch my attention.

I look over at him as he sits up on his sunlounger. He’s wearing a rather small pair of shorts, which have ridden up his legs, over his massive thighs. As he sits forward his rippling torso muscles look even more defined than usual. I move my eyes from his body to meet his gaze.

‘Sit with me,’ he says, patting the space between his legs. ‘Then Daniel and Eva can have a seat each.’

I stare at him for a moment. My God, he’s smart. By suggesting I cuddle up with him, not only is it going to drive Daniel crazy, but with two seats up for grabs, it means I won’t have to watch Daniel and Eva snuggle up together. So smart.

‘Okay,’ I say, trying to sound casual, rather than over the moon and slightly terrified.

I sit down on the edge of Freddie’s sunlounger. As I scoot closer to him, he swipes me up with one of his strong arms, placing me lying on my side between his legs, with my upper body rested on his – cuddled up to his.

Ali is watching like a hawk over her sunglasses. For her, I imagine this is happening in slow motion, with wah-wah pedal-heavy music playing in the background.