‘Please, don’t bother. The answer is no, Eddie. There is no way that you and Anya can stay at my flat and please, don’t ring me again.’

‘But…’

‘And, I nearly forgot, but don’t bother coming round to the flat either. The locks have been changed, so you’ll find it’s just a wasted journey. I’m pretty sure I’ve left all your stuff at the workshop, but if I come across anything else, I’ll drop it off there.’ She still had his keys, but he didn’t seem to register that. It didn’t matter. She’d leave it a week or two and if nothing else turned up when she pulled the place apart for painting, she could always pop them through his letter box.

When she hung up the phone she was shaking. What on earth was wrong with her? This was Eddie Quirke. She was better off without him, a thousand times better off without him, but still it hurt. He had betrayed her; maybe if it didn’t hurt, there would be more to worry about. Her phone rang again as she tried to shove it into her bag. Pete.

‘Hey?’ he sounded breezy.

‘Hey, yourself. What’s up?’ She took a deep breath to steady her nerves after the conversation with Eddie.

‘Not a lot, I just wanted to give you a heads up. I’ve had a call from Anya. I think reality has finally bitten; she’s looking for somewhere to stay. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Eddie gives you a call too.’

‘Too late.’ Liv sighed. She hadn’t meant to, but even thinking about Eddie wore her out at this point. ‘I’ve just spoken to him.’

‘Oh, Liv…’

‘Don’t worry, I’m not quite so stupid as to let him back into the flat.’ God, she felt as if she might be the most naïve person in the world.

‘You sound as if you could do with some cheering up.’ It sounded like Pete was smiling at the other end of the phone. ‘What about that guy, in the hospital, the one you sacrificed your Christmas for…’

‘I didn’t sacrifice anything,’ but as usual, Pete had managed to bring a smile to her lips.

‘If you say so, but… why don’t you offer to make him dinner, or something when he gets out of hospital?’

‘Actually, he’s already invited me out for dinner.’

‘A date? That was quick. You are a dark horse.’ He was making fun of her again.