‘Bollocks. There’s nothing I hate more than going to bed smelling of hospital, but I don’t think I can keep my eyes open for that long. I’ll see you two lovebirds later, yeah?’

In the end, the lack of shower makes no difference. I’m so dog-tired as I shut my blackout curtains and climb under the duvet that I don’t even have time to enjoy my usual montage of Luke fantasies before falling into a deep sleep. I do dream, however. In one, Lena is using my towel like some kind of fishing line to lure Luke to her. I’m calling out to him, trying to tell him to let go of the towel, but he seems mesmerised by her as she pulls him closer and closer. She’s cackling triumphantly as she finally traps him in her arms. In an instant, they’re both undressed and I’m forced to watch as she lowers her skinny frame onto him, slowly at first but then faster until it’s almost frenzied. She’s crying out and he’s making low, guttural moans until she suddenly grips him tight and shudders as he evidently empties himself inside her. At that moment, she turns to me and smiles victoriously, before climbing off him and immediately giving birth to a series of people with ugly war wounds and missing limbs.

When I wake, I’m not surprised to find that the sheets are damp and I don’t feel rested at all. I lie in the dark, trying to doze but very aware of a thumping and banging coming from somewhere that sounds very much like the washing machine in distress. I know it’s her flat and everything, but I’d forgotten what a disruptive influence Lena is, and I really hope her visit is going to be short so Mike and I can get back to normal. Thinking of Mike, I must also quiz him about Sarah. If he’s planning a future with her, that’s big news.

8

‘She sounds fascinating,’ Luke remarks after I’ve told him about Lena’s surprise return over lunch.

‘I’m not sure that’s the word I’d use,’ I complain. ‘I mean, I admire what she does and everything, but that doesn’t give her carte blanche to do whatever the hell she likes when she comes home. Mike’s convinced the washing machine isn’t draining properly again, and I’ve had to hide my shampoo and conditioner after she emptied about half a bottle of each on her head before she stole my towel.’

He smiles. ‘Think of it as you doing your bit for the organisation she works for.’

‘Hmm. I think I’d rather do my bit by giving them charitable donations, rather than sponsoring one doctor’s haircare regime. Anyway, enough of my gripes. How are things with you?’