“Mum’s in there right now,” he says, as we sit side by side on the fountain’s edge. “She seemed very confident we’ll be able to straighten everything out. I think Danni’s going to be fine.”

I slump backward, so far that the spray from the fountain tickles my forehead. “That’s such a relief,” I say. “I’m in your debt, Alfie. I really am.”

He holds a hand out, startled. “Don’t fall in.”

“Who cares if I do? Nothing could ruin my mood right now.”

He beams.

“Really, I’ve been thinking about all you’ve done for me over the past several months, and it blows me away. First, there was the time you offered to fake date me for the cameras. Well, you couldn’t have possibly known this, but that day someone had told William that Danni and I were in a relationship. So, frankly, the offer couldn’t have come at a better time to douse that fire.”

Alfie’s smile becomes a little forced. Or am I imagining that? “Really?” he asks, as though he can barely believe the serendipity of it all.

“Yes. The whole thing was also being fueled by an anonymous account that was mostly taking photos from Molly’s profile. We’ll never know who that was, either. Could’ve been anybody. Your ice-skating idea was wonderful for shutting down those rumors, and it was an inspired idea to bring along someone with a crush on Danni to monopolize her the whole day. I know I messed it up by forgetting myself when she got hurt, but you did do your best to stop me from getting too close to her while there were cameras. Trust me, I’m very grateful for everything you’ve done.”

It’s abundantly clear Alfie doesn’t know how to reply now. He just sits, his back rod straight, as he waits for me to get to my point.