She should be saving for retirement – she knows that – especially since her mom went into the care facility and Evie had to start subsidising it. She needs insurance, in case she gets sick and needs care, too. But she never seems to be able to get a handle on things; it’s been a struggle since her mom’s savings ran out, and Evie doesn’t always pay Bluebell on time. Her dad should contribute something, but he hasn’t sent money since he left all those years ago. That’s why when they got film interest for On the Romantic Road she said yes, despite her reservations about the clause requiring her presence on set. The cash is going straight to the home, up front, so she doesn’t have to field that throat clearing every other month and act like she’s a crazy person to buy herself some more time.

‘Got it,’ says Polly, when Evie finally stops gabbing on. ‘I’ll make a note of that too. Are you off anywhere nice?’ she asks then, right before they ring off. ‘For your trip?’

Evie doesn’t try to explain. Half the time she doesn’t get it herself.

‘No, no, not really,’ she replies, getting to the end of the walkway to see four attendants welcoming passengers onto the plane. Evie smiles at them. ‘Just travelling for work.’

The flight is fine. She’s in coach, but the seats beside her are empty, so she’s able to just about curl up over the aisle and get some rest. Evie tries not to overthink the call with the care home or the fact that her mother seems to be in a state more than she’s lucid these past six months. There isn’t anything she can do. Not a damned thing in the world. And what is it they say about worrying? You’re stealing from the present to think about something that the future cannot even guarantee. Borrowing worry.

Production have sent a car for her, so she’s picked up by a smart-looking driver and driven to the hotel in Würzburg, the only irritation being some sort of skirmish with cameras and a VIP by the exit as she tries to leave, forcing the driver to take the long route through the arrivals terminal.

And then they reach their destination.