‘I told you then and I’ll tell you now, sis: I loved Jack. Thought he was great.’

‘There’s a sort of sick part of me that wishes you’d hated him.’

‘I can lie, if you want? I’m dead good at lying. Tara McNulty still thinks I’m straight.’

‘You took her big V.’

‘Eh? Don’t you mean she took mine?’ Kit shivers at the memory. ‘Jack though.’

‘Jack though.’

‘I loved how I instantly felt like I knew him, five minutes after meeting him. He commanded a room, didn’t he? But also made everyone in the room feel at ease. And you suited him. He wasn’t your usual type and I was like, hallelujah!’

‘Makes me wonder. I think a lot of people have that opinion of Jack – not to belittle what you just said, but he had that gift. Warmth, familiarity. Maybe what me and him shared wasn’t so special, you know – maybe it was just that I felt special ’cause he was so capable of making me – or, people in general – feel that way. Maybe everyone felt special around him.’

‘Maybe.’

‘Guess I’ll never know.’

Mabel starts yapping and Kit grabs some treats for her. She licks them from his palm. Gareth pops his head around the kitchen door, sweat dripping from his forehead.

‘I thought you were working?’ Kit asks.

‘It’s Saturday,’ Gareth defends himself.

‘Come here and gis a sweaty kiss.’

‘I’m getting in the shower.’

‘You came all the way downstairs to announce you’re getting a shower?’

‘Nope. I came all the way downstairs to see if you’re okay.’

‘I’m amazing.’

‘Not you. Her.’

I’m nervous Gareth’ll see the Jacob’s cracker box, burn holes in its side with his gorgeous eyes. They’re the sort of eyes that change colour depending on what he’s wearing. Right now, they’re green and mystical.

‘I’m not great,’ I admit.

‘You’re going to be, though. One day soon,’ Gareth smiles.

‘Have you had your teeth whitened?’ I ask him.

‘Thanks for noticing, Chloe. Did you hear that, Kit?’

‘You got your teeth whitened?’ Kit gasps. ‘How much did that cost?’

Gareth runs away, his shower awaiting. Mabel gives a little bark and Kit lets her run up the stairs after him. He offers me another dip into the Jacob’s cracker box, but I’m done. He sneaks a white chocolate piece out for himself and puts the box back into the tins cupboard.

‘Look, sis. I know I told Gareth off for saying it earlier, but I’m really sorry the whole Thailand thing didn’t work out for you.’

‘Agh, well. It’s brought me home, hasn’t it?’

‘Erm! A small affair called my wedding, I think you’ll find, has brought you home.’