‘I’m in,’ I said. I could unpack whether or not it was a good idea when I got to London.

We passed the rest of the time using the ferry’s patchy Wi-Fi to investigate Hawaii and to look at flights out of Sydney and Chicago. Josh’s enthusiasm was infectious, and the time moved far too quickly.

It seemed like only minutes from when we’d decided to go to Hawaii to when the ferry docked at Athens. We packed away our things in silence and, as we made our way to the nearest exit with the other passengers, I had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Dread.

We descended several staircases and then the gangplank. When we reached solid ground, Josh took my free hand and led me away from the milling crowd. He turned to face me and we both put our bags on the ground.

‘What time’s your flight?’ he asked, even though I was sure he already knew.

I looked at my watch – I’d taken it out of my bag that morning and put it on for the first time in over a week. ‘Around three hours from now.’

He nodded and looked around us, his face stoic and unreadable. ‘I guess this is it, then.’

Tears stung my eyes. I couldn’t help it – they just appeared. I didn’t want to say goodbye. I didn’t want to let go. ‘Yep.’

He looked at me with such intensity that my breath caught and the tears spilt onto my face. He took my face in his hands and touched his lips to mine. The kiss was slow and sweet and perfect. I let it wash over me, succumbing to all the promise it held.

We pulled apart and Josh rested his forehead against mine. ‘Sarah?’ It was almost a whisper.

‘Yes.’ I dared not move, wanting to stay like that as long as possible.

‘Thanks for the sex.’

I threw my head back and laughed, a full-throated, wonderful laugh. Josh joined in. I wiped my tears and sighed. I put one hand on his chest. ‘You’re funny.’

‘I know. Look, this isn’t goodbye. Not for good. We’re going to Hawaii, okay?’

‘Yes. Hawaii. New Year’s.’ It was time to say goodbye. I needed to get in a taxi and get to the airport. I stood on my tippy-toes and wrapped my arms around his neck. He wrapped his around me and we held the hug for a few moments. I was glad he’d lightened the mood. Goodbyes are the worst and leaving with a smile was far better than leaving in tears.

‘So, we’ll speak soon, and make plans?’ I asked, letting him go.

‘Absolutely. I’ll call you in a couple of days when I get back to Chicago so we can coordinate our flights.’

‘Sounds good.’