Olivia slid her arm through his. ‘Let’s get a bite to eat then head to the hotel. We’ve another long day ahead of us tomorrow.’

They found a café not far from the station where they each wolfed down a portion of egg, chips and beans, followed by a bowl of bread and butter pudding with thick custard.

The hotel was much larger than Olivia had anticipated. ‘How much do I owe you?’ she said as Ted pointed out the grand building.

‘Not a sausage,’ he insisted. ‘I booked the hotel so I’m paying for it.’

Olivia smiled guiltily. ‘It looks ever so expensive.’

He pushed the revolving door which led into the lobby. ‘I wasn’t going to take you to some dive, and as I don’t know anywhere in Glasgow I had to go on recommendations, and this place came out on top.’ He approached the woman behind the desk and asked for the keys to their rooms.

Smiling, the receptionist made to ring the bell on her counter, but Ted stopped her. ‘It’s all right, we’ll find our own way up.’

She handed Ted the room keys. ‘Your rooms are adjacent to each other, top of the stairs, turn left and keep going; breakfast is served between six and nine.’

Ted led the way to their rooms, then held up the two keys. ‘Which room would you like?’

Olivia picked one of the keys. ‘See you in the morning.’

Ted nodded, then kissed her softly on the cheek. ‘Goodnight, Toff.’

‘Goodnight, Ted.’

Olivia entered her room and closed the door. She placed her bag on the chest of drawers and drew out her issue pyjamas, then glanced back at the door. Since rekindling their relationship Ted had been every bit the gentleman, something which she both appreciated and admired, although it felt a little odd as if they were starting their relationship in reverse. They had had a child together, yet here they were in separate rooms. She cast her mind back over the last twenty-four hours. She had arrived in Liverpool expecting her father to show her the door once and for all, but had ended up staying the night. She turned her thoughts to what lay ahead regarding her father’s ill health. If he continued not to eat or take his medication, then the inevitable would happen. She wished her mum was still alive so that she might ask her advice, because Catherine was particularly good with these kinds of matters, but then again, so was Ted. He spoke with a level head, exploring all avenues before reaching a conclusion; in fact, he very much reminded Olivia of her mother in that respect.