I nod and hope I look like a crazy woman listening to my own music, instead of a crazy woman trying to dislodge the unwanted thought that is now stuck in my head.

I can’t help but think that Peter’s to blame for this errant thought – he was the one who claimed he’d asked me on a date, which has probably put some rogue ideas in my mind. But if he had actually wanted to go out with me back then, he would have made it more obvious, wouldn’t he? He would have told me, wouldn’t he? It’s not exactly like he’s been pining for me. He’s dated plenty of people in the timespan that I’ve known him, and he’s never asked me out again.

Shit, he’s seen me staring. I wave in the hope this camouflages my recent train of thought. He waves back.

I finish off the last bits of packing, tidying up the remaining cards and collecting the final crumbs of rubbish. Money-wise I’ve made about half the amount it cost me to come here today, but I’m OK with that. Like Peter said, you have to try these things out.

‘Are you ready to go? I can order a taxi and help you load up. We could get a six-person car, and if there’s room I’ll come back to yours and help you carry it up. It’ll take half the time.’

This feels weird. I don’t think I should be near him at the moment. I worry he’ll be able to sense the inconvenient thoughts I’ve been having.

‘No, that’s really kind, but I’m good. It’s out of your way and I’m fine. Honestly, it’s an easy job to do and it won’t take me long.’ It will probably take me two hours. Not exactly easy, but I don’t want to rely on him for more than I already have – I can’t. If I do, one day he won’t be there, and then where will I be? I managed just fine this morning (eventually). I can do this now.

‘Honestly, I don’t mind.’

‘No, it’s a boring task and I’m good.’ I don’t want his lasting memory of the day to be schlepping up to my apartment.

He almost looks a little hurt, and I feel bad.

‘OK then. Today’s been fun. Thanks for letting me come.’

‘Thanks for letting you come? Peter, if it wasn’t for you I would have sold about five cards.’

‘Nah. Your cards sell themselves. They’re great and so are you. Come here.’

He reaches for me and I give him a hug. He’s always been a good hugger, and despite the height difference I fit well against him. He scratches my back in a relaxing way, and I close my eyes, just for a moment … He smells so good. Has he always smelt this good?

‘Pete, I’ve changed my mind. If there is room in the taxi, would you mind helping me?’

CHAPTER 24

Peter was right. Despite the fact his legs did look comically long folded into the front seat of the taxi that was pulled far, far forward, letting him help meant the whole unloading process went much more quickly, and with many more laughs, than it would have if I’d been by myself. Peter’s charm even worked on the taxi driver, who was not only fine with the time it took us to load and then unload, but she even helped.