She tosses the sweaters over to Magda, for the ‘to be packed’ pile. God she’s grateful for the help – if only to get all the complaining out of her system.

‘I know I’m being boring, going on and on about it,’ Evie continues. ‘But honestly. My whole childhood was watching celebrities on movie sets only being kind to the people who can be helpful to them. It’s so screwed up. Although I will admit, up-and-coming actors aren’t like that. They’re nice to everyone, just in case.’

‘I’d hardly call Duke Carlisle up-and-coming though,’ notes Magda, helpfully folding the stuff Evie has chosen. ‘Even you knew who he was, and you don’t know anything about anybody. You basically defy the laws of pop culture. How can anybody be so removed from everything featured in the world of fame?’

‘You’re saying it like it’s an insult,’ Evie shoots back, searching out a clip for her long blonde mane from the nightstand. ‘And yet I receive it as a compliment.’

‘How unlike you—’ Magda smirks, pursing her lips teasingly ‘—to edit the script as we go.’

‘Consistency is key, oh dear one.’

Evie turns back to the wardrobe now her hair is off her neck – it’s heavy work, packing for three weeks in Europe, and she’s getting clammy. She decides that she needs a couple of thin turtlenecks for layers. How cold can it be in Germany? She’s pretty sure winters on the continent aren’t anything like her Utah ones, but she should be prepared. There’s no such thing as bad weather – that’s what her mother always said – only unsuitable clothing. She runs a hand through the hangers, considering what else she might need, adding: ‘Give your readers what they want, with a few surprises. That’s plot, baby.’

‘The surprise in this story being that you’re actually taking the trip,’ says Magda, plainly. She shrugs as she says it, as though adding: God, I never thought I’d see the day.

Evie holds up a hand. ‘Don’t. I’m still in denial. I’d rather do a naked fan dance in an old people’s home than step foot onto a movie set. Not that anyone understands that, of course. Well, except you.’ She gives Magda a smile of genuine thanks. ‘But, I have an action plan for getting through it. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, after all – and I am wholly committed to engaging zero shenanigans, and returning with exactly one finished book for next year, otherwise my editor will kill me.’