‘I know . . . I know.’ I smiled, attempting to maintain my goodwill towards her. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow. And thanks again for the present and cake.’

While smoking, I watched them disappear into the distance, before texting Dale that I was nipping in to see Edward first.

Don’t be late. I’ve got dinner on, Birthday Girl.

Then I called Edward to check on him, immediately wishing I hadn’t, as it rang out. Running down the steps, I tried him again. Wrestles tigers, deep-sea diver, can’t charge a bloody phone.

I turned the corner, entering the car park. Away from the street, its only source of light was the glow from surrounding buildings. There were three cars still there: yours, the surgery Smart Car and a Mercedes, which I presumed belonged to Dr Harris.

My shoes crunched across the gravel as I nervously pulled so hard on my cigarette the ash crackled, then cascaded to the floor. Light-headed, I threw the rest away. You popped open the door from the inside for me to get in.

‘Sorry I was a while. I had to wait for Linda and Alison to go,’ I said.

It had been a long time since I’d sat in there with you. The potent scent of leather stirred memories.

You rubbed your palms together as if starting a friction fire. You were, of sorts, weren’t you? You smiled at me. At least, I think that’s what you did. It was dark and hard to tell as my eyes hadn’t adjusted yet.

‘So where do you want to go?’ you asked.

‘I . . . I don’t know. I’ve not got long. I’ve got to be back by six thirty at the latest.’

‘No worries. Me neither.’

Part of me hoped you’d object. Ask me to stay out longer. Say you’d change your plans.

‘I don’t mind, then,’ I said. ‘You pick.’

A window of one of the houses sprang into lightness, enabling me to see you more clearly. Your head dropped, deep in thought. A dog howled from the same home, making me jump.

You looked up at me. ‘Are you nervous?’ you said.

‘No . . . no. It was just the dog.’

The house plunged back into darkness. As did we.

‘I am,’ you said.

‘In case Dr Harris sees us?’

‘Harris? No . . . No, he’s catching up on paperwork. He’ll be stuck in there till gone eight. It’s you. You’ve made me feel nervous all day.’

I was glad of the anonymity within the blackness. Hiding my flushed face. ‘Why would I make you nervous?’

‘I don’t know. I . . . I guess I forgot how much chemistry we have. How much I fancy you.’

I didn’t want it to be a joke, but my mind could only presume it was. Until you said, ‘Do I not get a birthday kiss?’