He sat down next to me and slipped his arms around my shoulder, pulling me in close to him. He kissed me on the lips, but when Joel arrived I pulled away, shuffling over a little, not wanting to make Joel feel uncomfortable whilst it was just the three of us.

‘Hello, hello,’ called Soph, walking up behind us with Douglas.

‘Soph, Douglas, this is Scott.’

‘I have heard so much about you,’ said Soph, sitting down next to him.

‘Haven’t we just,’ said Douglas, giving him a wave before he headed over to the cooler to get them drinks.

‘All good, I hope.’

‘Of course.’

My shoulders were tense; I hadn’t expected to be nervous with them meeting, but it was like two worlds that existed separately were suddenly colliding.

‘So, I’m sure you’ve been dying to hear all about what Edie’s been up to since she’s been here. Did she tell you about when we had to fill in for the ents team and we all got on stage and performed? Or when she was the assistant for that magic act?’ said Soph.

‘I still want to know how they did that sawing-in-half trick,’ said Douglas.

‘A magician’s assistant never reveals her secrets.’

‘You went up on stage and did all that?’ Scott took a large swig of beer.

‘Yeah, but only because I had to.’

‘She was great at it,’ said Soph. ‘I mean, her as that Pussycat Doll with the mohawk wig. I can’t wait until I get my photos developed.’

‘I can’t believe you still use a film camera.’ Joel shook his head.

‘Yeah, well, call me old-fashioned, but I like that surprise when you get them back.’

‘I’ll take my digital camera any day.’ Joel reached into his pocket and pulled his out. ‘Speaking of which. Look what I got a photo of.’

He flicked his camera on and searched through until he stopped at a photo of Douglas and a guy squaring up to him.

I started to laugh. The horror on Douglas’s face was exactly how Joel had described it. I tried to explain the scenario to Scott, but he barely cracked a smile.

Douglas reached over to grab it but Joel pushed him away and it went back into his pocket.

‘You’re never getting your hands on it. Plus, I’ve emailed it to the lads from school anyway.’

‘Like that, is it?’ said Douglas, unamused. ‘I’ll just need to get a photo with you and Elizabeth.’

My head jerked to Joel.

‘Elizabeth?’ I said, confused.

‘Shut up, Douglas.’

Joel stood up. ‘Anyone for any more beers?’ We all nodded and he quickly walked off to get them.

‘What’s that about Elizabeth?’ asked Soph. She leant forward, eager for gossip.

‘Elizabeth’s got the horn for Joel,’ said Douglas, raising his eyebrows.

‘What?’ she cackled. ‘I couldn’t imagine her having the horn for anyone. But Joel?’