‘But there’s hardly any space here,’ I insisted. ‘Only a few of the rooms have been finished.’

‘Annalise will stay in the room that’s just been decorated,’ said Michael.

‘The room next to yours? No way. Why does she get to be next to you and I don’t?’

Michael laughed. ‘This is silly. A room is just a room.’

For a moment, no one spoke.

Then I had a horrible realization. ‘That room has only just been decorated. You did it for her. The bedroom right next to yours. This is not just looking after her for a while. You’ve planned this. You’re moving her in.’

I stormed down the landing, throwing open the bedroom next to Michael’s. It was decorated with sickly pastel-pink bed linen and rose wallpaper. There was a huge Victorian wardrobe with mirrored doors. I had a vision of what might be inside that wardrobe: flowery dresses and crepe shoes, all bought by Michael for Annalise. His English rose.

I screamed at Annalise, ‘I won’t share him. If you go anywhere near him, I’ll kill you.’

‘Take a chill pill,’ said Annalise, shaking her head at Michael. ‘Is she always this crazy?’

Michael put an arm around her shoulder. ‘She’s had a few problems in the past. But she’ll get used to the change. And you’ll be best friends in no time.’

‘But you’re my best friend,’ Annalise laughed.

‘Well, I’m honoured. And now I’ve got an English rose to add to my collection.’

Michael and Annalise smiled at each other then, a special look, and I wanted to claw at Annalise’s face and rip the smile away.

‘What do you think this is, Michael, a girl band?’ I demanded. ‘The punk princess. The English rose?’

‘What are you talking about, Lorna?’

‘You’ve taken things too far this time.’ I felt tears sting. ‘I hardly ever see you. You’re gone half the time, and when you’re back we hardly ever talk. It’s all sex. But at least I’ve been the only girl. I’ve always had that. If Cat’s daughter stays here too, what’s left?’

‘You’re not making any sense,’ said Michael. ‘You sound crazy. Annalise needs a place to stay. Don’t make it out to be something sinister.’

‘Michael. I can’t handle this. I just can’t. It’s too much.’

‘I treat you like a princess. Everything you could possibly wish for.’

‘But bringing another girl to live with us?’ I chewed at my nails. ‘Michael, I’m at my limit. I swear to you.’

‘Jesus,’ said Michael. ‘Calm down, Lorna. You know how I feel about hysterical women. I’d have stayed with Diane if I wanted hysterics.’