‘It was really kind of you to give Mum a lift, but you don’t need to stay.’

His gaze sharpened. ‘Of course I’m going to stay.’

I looked away, not having the strength to say that I didn’t want him to. That conversation in the music room had been like some teenage fantasy. This was real life. I daren’t let Adam back in, start allowing him to be the person I leant on, until I’d had a proper chance to consider what he’d said and whether I was prepared to trust him again. That wasn’t fair on either of us.

A few people had left and yet more arrived after Mum and Adam, quickly filling up the chairs. When another anxious-looking family shuffled in, Henry stood up.

‘I’m going to head back, get out of the way. Do any of you need anything before I go?’

‘Of course, Henry. Go home and get some rest.’ Mum got up and gave him a brisk hug. ‘We can’t thank you enough for helping Joy.’

He blinked a few times. ‘I’m just relieved I was there.’

‘Make sure you take care driving back. There’s a nasty fog settling on top of the frost.’

He nodded. ‘Let me know if you want anything bringing. Clothes or whatever else Joy needs.’ He gave a small smile. ‘I’m good with lists.’

‘Don’t forget your jacket.’ I started to shrug it off.

‘No, you keep hold of it.’ He held up a hand in protest.

‘It’s warm enough in here. Please, take it for the car.’

‘You’ll need it on the way home.’

‘Mate, she can wear mine,’ Adam interrupted, standing up and whipping off his blue jacket so fast one sleeve caught me on the side of my head.

Okay, this was too much. I had a feeling this conversation was about more than a jacket, and I could not handle it right then.

‘You know what, why don’t you both go? Henry, would you mind dropping Adam in Hatherstone?’

‘What?’ Adam looked at me, a mixture of hurt and surprise on his face.

‘I need to focus on Nana Joy. You being here… it’s not helping.’

‘Okay.’ He gave a slow nod. ‘I’m sorry. And all that we said before, I’m not going to pressure you. I just want to be here for you. Whatever you need.’

‘I know. But what I need is to wait with Mum, Dad, and Jed and not have to think about anything else.’

‘I understand.’ He leant forwards slightly, as though to kiss me, but I gave a brief shake of my head, crossing my arms against my chest.

‘I’ll let you know when we hear what’s happening.’

It was only once they’d both left that I realised Henry hadn’t taken his coat.