I considered that. ‘Given my current reputation, I don’t think anyone’ll be bending over backwards to accommodate me. To be honest, if it starts to get awkward, that might just help me make a big decision.’

‘Oh?’

I took another sip of tea. ‘Baxter offered me the job.’

Henry sat back, the immediate surprise on his face gradually replaced with a huge grin. ‘So he damn well should have done.’ He shook his head, with a mixture of delight and what might have been a smidgin of pride. ‘Even walking out on him, you were still parsecs above the rest of them.’

‘What secs?’

‘One measurement up from light years.’

‘Okay. Thank you.’ Henry looked deadly serious, so I hid my smile behind another bite of croissant. ‘He said he’d had enough of yes-men. Oh – and he also told me to tell Driver to call him. He liked you.’

‘What?’ Henry rolled his eyes. I made no pretence at concealing my smirk this time.

‘I’m not sure if he wants to give you a job or ask you out on a date.’

‘Either way, it’s a hard pass.’ He shook his head, mouth twitching. ‘But getting back to what’s important… congratulations! What an amazing achievement.’

‘Yeah, although not one I’ll be mentioning to my family any time soon, given what else is going on.’

‘Hopefully you’ll be celebrating with them – all of them – before you know it.’

‘Yeah… maybe.’

Henry quirked his eyebrow. ‘Are you worried they’ll be upset you’re moving away?’

I shrugged, feeling another rush of hot tears start to gather behind my eyes. ‘I’m more worried at how upset I am about moving.’

‘Ah. Okay.’

‘Especially now. I’m actually wondering whether I want the job after all.’

‘Right.’

‘I mean, part of me is like, “don’t be an idiot, Bea, remember why you applied in the first place! How could you even think about turning down such an incredible opportunity, especially when working where you are has become a total stress”. I mean, it’s London, not Antarctica – I can be home in two hours. And being able to do in-depth features, proper news reports, all the amazing things that I’ve dreamed of for so long. What possible reason could I have for not immediately replying with a massive yes?’

‘The fact that you haven’t means there must be a reason.’

I pushed my plate and mug to one side and slumped across the table, pressing one cheek against the smooth oak. ‘I’m trying to figure out what that is.’

‘Which can’t be easy when all this other stuff is going on.’

‘It’s extremely not easy.’

Henry was quiet for a moment. ‘What does your heart say?’