‘No, well, we’ve been busy.’ Anya smiled coyly and twirled her hair suggestively. Liv had a feeling that she knew exactly what Anya was hinting at. ‘And well, the phone was the very last thing on his mind; actually, I’d say the only thing he’s had on his mind all afternoon, is me…’ She threw her head back and laughed.

‘Are you moving back in?’ Liv thought the words would choke her.

‘Yes. That’s right; we’ve kissed and made up. Actually, Pete’s just gone out to buy the most expensive bottle of champagne he can find.’ She licked her lips suggestively. ‘And if it’s good enough, I might just distract him some more.’

‘I see.’ Liv backed away from the door. She felt sick. It was not just the sort of sick that she felt if she’d forgotten to eat, this was a whole new sensation.

‘You know…’ Anya leant against the door. ‘You should think about patching things up with Eddie. Ask him to come back to the flat. At least if he’s staying for a while, you might have some chance of getting him back again.’

‘You must be joking,’ Liv said turning away from her and heading for the lift. She pressed the button to call it up to the top floor. ‘You and Pete might have patched things up, but I’d rather be on my own than have Eddie Quirke anywhere near me again.’ She looked up at the lift display; the bloody thing seemed to be stalled on the second floor.

‘I’m not saying he’d actually take you back, but at least you’d have the company. It’d be better than nothing. After all, Liv, you’re not getting any younger, are you, and it’s not as if you’re a girl who’s had to beat the men away from your front door at any stage.’

‘Well, you know what they say, Anya, better on your own than in bad company.’ Damn it, she thought, looking at the lift, which was showing no signs of arriving soon. She turned on her heels, headed for the stairs and as she raced down the steps, she was sure she heard Pete’s voice come out of the lift. She couldn’t face him now, couldn’t think what they’d have to say to each other now he’d decided to take Anya back.