‘Fine,’ Alice said. ‘Maybe it is. But why’s it your problem?’

‘I don’t have a problem, Alice.’

‘Why don’t you like them?’ she said. ‘It seems to me that’s what this is about.’

He shrugged. ‘You’re right. I don’t really like them. And so I don’t want to spend time with them.’

‘Why? They’re nice guys.’

‘I don’t agree.’ He paused. ‘Although I’m sure you think so.’

‘What does that mean?’

He sniffed. ‘I think you know.’

She almost laughed. ‘Is that was this is about? You think I’m interested in them? I’ve got the hots for the Dutch boys? Ned,’ she said. ‘I don’t know why you would think that. I’m here with you. You’re my boyfriend.’

‘I’ve seen how they flirt with you.’

‘They don’t!’ She shook her head. ‘And even if they do, so what?’

‘It annoys me.’ Ned frowned. ‘Forget it. Let’s forget it and move on.’

Alice found that she didn’t want to. She wanted to air this out. Otherwise it would fester. This uptightness was a recent thing, and it was unlike Ned. He’d never been exactly happy-go-lucky, but he was warm and fun and committed to his friends and family. When they’d met she’d been struck by how he listened to people – to her, mainly. He was attentive and interested and cared about what people said and how they felt.

‘This is because of Michael, right? You’re still worried about that?’

‘No!’ he said. ‘Not at all.’

‘After everything we’ve been through together – after all that shit with my parents’ deaths – I can’t believe you’re insecure about us. I mean – think about it. Think about what happened.’

‘I’m not insecure,’ he hissed. ‘God, I’m so sick of it. You think I’m some weak, second-rate, pathetic—’

‘I do not,’ she said. ‘That’s just not true.’

‘Forget it,’ he said. ‘You know where they are. Go and join them. I’m going to bed.’

He stood up, picked up his phone, then walked towards the pub door. As he reached it, he glanced over his shoulder, as though expecting to see her following him. For a brief moment she almost did, but she caught herself. This had to stop. She had to take a stand, so she folded her arms and stayed in her seat.

He gave a slight shake of his head, then left.

Alice exhaled, puffing out her cheeks. She had no idea what to do next. Go and catch up with the others? There’d be some awkward questions about where Ned was, but she wasn’t going to run after him now, partly from pride, but mainly because she simply didn’t want to.

Her wine glass was still about a third full. Maybe she’d finish it and see how she felt after that.

‘Excuse me?’