‘Instead, I bemoan that I’m in a job that does my head in, I’m single – even though I really do think most men should fuck off and die – present company excluded, of course – and I am pretty much one floral bedspread and another cat away from becoming the quintessential spinster schoolteacher.’

‘Wow, you really are messed up.’ I could tell he was teasing me, but I was on a roll.

‘Right? That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. On paper, what do I have to complain about? I mean nothing, right? Yet, the truth is, I’m stuck.’ I paused, because what I was about to say really hit home, and my voice caught.

‘And I am really, really lonely.’ Wow, Sarah. You sure know how to impress a guy.

Josh didn’t say anything for a moment, so of course, I apologised for my big reveal. ‘Josh, I’m sorry, I—’ And then he touched his hand to my chin and turned it towards him and kissed me, gently at first and then with more fervour. It was a different kind of kiss than the flirty one from the night before. I leaned against him as he wrapped his arms around me, and I realised I was seriously falling for him. Then – damn him – he pulled me closer and kissed me more deeply.

Finally, we pulled apart and when we looked at each other there was no awkwardness – real or imagined – and there was no pretence, just honesty and affection.

‘Sarah, I think you’re incredible.’

‘I don’t feel very incredible.’

‘You are hard on yourself. Sarah, you are so sexy.’ I began to shake my head at the compliment, but he ignored me and continued. ‘And smart about so many things – and fun. You’re fun to be around – you’re always happy.’

‘I’m happy?’ Who was he talking about?

‘Yes – well, I mean maybe not right this second, but otherwise, yes. You laugh a lot. You notice the little things, those details most people miss because they have their head up their ass. And you take time with people – you get to know them, you care. You’re engaged in life, Sarah – I consider that a mark of a happy person.’ He paused, looking at me while I reflected on everything he said.

‘You don’t see yourself that way?’ he asked.

My eyes filled with tears, and I started laughing and crying at the same time. Josh was right. The Sarah he knew was happy. So, who on earth was the Sarah I knew – the one who hated her job, and felt left out of her friends’ lives, the Sarah who was too afraid to fall in love again, because it would lead to heartbreak? What was she doing while happy Sarah was on holiday in the Greek Islands with new friends and a handsome American boy?