Jordan sends furtive glances around our table as though he does care what the nobodies here at the back might make of him after all.

‘Jesus, Grace.’

Of course, Jordan turns this around on me. But the answer is in his face.

‘Jordan, you need to leave now and I won’t see you again. I haven’t missed you.’

‘Then why ask me to come to this?’

‘Joanna forced it on me.’

‘I’ve had enough of this.’

‘Good. Me too. So go.’

Scowling furiously, and not at all sexily, Jordan gets up from his seat and storms off.

Two seats away, the kind bald man shoots him a parting death stare. The lady beside me passes me a napkin. I didn’t realise I was teary. Smiling gratefully, I dab my wet eyes. I’m not crying for me. I’ve grown so strong. These tears are for the old me, who lay in bed, alone, countless nights, sobbing herself to sleep, unloved and undesired. I wasn’t needy, but I needed someone. It was supposed to be Jordan, and I know now that it wasn’t my fault he couldn’t show up for me. The prick just doesn’t have it in him.

Thank heavens for waterproof mascara, and that I’m at the back of the room out of sight of the cameras.

I check on Harry, but his head is down, and he doesn’t look over at me again. Faith whispers in Toby’s ear and gets up out of her seat.

‘Oh pet,’ says the lady who has the warmest smile I’ve seen. Irish. A lovely warm Irish smile. ‘Don’t mind that one. He’s best off long gone. What’s meant for you, won’t pass you by.’

‘Thank you,’ I say, drying my cheeks. ‘I’m sorry for the fuss. I’ll leave you all in peace now. Please, enjoy your evening.’

I slip out discreetly and Faith joins me in the lobby.

‘I saw Jordan leave,’ she says, hugging me at once. ‘Darling, are you okay?’

‘I believe I’m in love with Harry.’

‘Um, okay. Is that why Jordan left?’

‘No. Jordan cheated on me.’

‘Oh, my darling.’

‘Faith, what should I do?’

‘About Jordan? I know what I’d like to do to him…’

‘About Harry. He told me earlier he’d invited me here as his date. And I’m not sure exactly what that means, because we were interrupted by Jordan, and then my mother, and the commotion with Carlos…’

Faith checks me over and decides I’m not devastated by the news my ex-boyfriend cheated on me.

I shrug, and half smile at her.

‘Well, no one does drama quite like you, Gracie Louise Porter.’ Faith laughs. She looks at me lovingly and takes my hands in hers.

I laugh, too.