‘Good news, eh? We’ve made real progress these past few weeks, so I reckon we’ll be out of your hair by Friday.’

‘Wow! So soon.’

‘I knew you’d be pleased.’

‘Yes. That’s great news.’

Of course I’m thrilled. It’s brilliant news. I can’t wait for my house to be finally finished. It just feels a bit strange to think Ben will soon be gone.

‘Daddy, can I get an ice cream?’ Stanley stops playing with Harry and tugs at Ben’s hand.

‘What? Another one?’

‘Harry ate most of it.’

We all look at Harry. He can’t defend himself, but by the sprinkles on his beard it’s pretty obvious he’s guilty as charged.

‘OK, but don’t tell Auntie Holly,’ he winks and Stanley laughs conspiratorially. ‘Well, see you both around.’ Smiling good-naturedly, he takes Stanley’s hand and disappears through the crowds.

‘I’ve got to go too.’

I turn back to see Maya texting, her thumbs moving at lightning speed.

‘Where are you going?’

‘My parents are having some friends over for a barbecue. Do you want to come? I know Mum would love to meet you.’

‘No, but thanks. I’ve arranged to meet Valentine in the competition marquee.’

‘OK, well you’re more than welcome. I thought I’d go home and give Mum a hand. Simon likes to wear the apron, but really Mum does everything – he just does the grilling. And lets everyone know about it,’ she adds with an eye-roll, but this time it seems to be out of fondness rather than anger.

‘Things sound a lot better now.’

‘Yeah, they are. Thanks to you.’

‘Oh, I don’t know about that.’

‘I do. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have had a clue what Wuthering Heights was about, or Macbeth – I didn’t get any of it.’ She shakes her head, looking embarrassed at herself. ‘But you made it all real, taking me up on the moors and to see that play. Good job you did,’ she adds, her lip curling, ‘otherwise I’d still be going out with that idiot Zac.’

I have to give it to Maya. I really admire her for how she’s dealt with the break-up, especially when it was only a week before her exams. I also love how once teenagers are over someone, they can be truly brutal.

‘It’s because of you I’ve decided to go through Clearing to study law.’

‘Are you sure that wasn’t Will’s influence?’ I ask and she reddens.

‘No. I make my own decisions.’ Maya shakes her head firmly. ‘He just made me aware of my options. I’d never even considered a law degree before. Not that I’ll get in anywhere – you need, like, straight As,’ she adds, but I quickly shush her.

‘OK, well, if you’re sure you don’t want to come and meet Valentine? They’re judging the cakes.’

‘Go look at a load of Victoria sponges?’ She pulls a face. ‘I think I’ll give it a miss. Say hi from me, though.’

‘Fair enough.’ I smile. ‘Oh, and Maya, I don’t know if you’re still in touch with Will . . . but if you are, I’d rather you didn’t mention anything. About me seeing his dad.’