Gradually, though, as the high subsides, Cosmo feels slightly less euphoric about his ability to hold all this together. The whole adventure is too good to let go. Amy is a darling and he is definitely in love with her, as he is in love with this whole place. And it’s clear that she is in love with him. But that doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily a long-term thing. The trouble is, he can no longer see where reality lies. Is it here with Amy or in London with Becks? His work and his flat are in London, and it would be a very big step to change all of that but, at the same time, it will be a huge wrench to leave this place: to leave Amy. Some part of him tries to believe that somehow, magically, it will all resolve itself and, just for now, for his remaining few weeks, he can go with the flow.

Even as he tries to convince himself that this is the truth, a message pings in and he pulls his phone from his pocket. He’s expecting Amy, making some comment on the meeting with her father, but it’s a text from Al.

Hi. Thought I’d pop down again this weekend. Something the parents want me to check. Sorry it’s such short notice. Arriving Saturday. Same place.

Cosmo stands still to reread the text. His euphoria is vanishing and a real anxiety is taking its place. Reggie tugs at his lead and Cosmo walks on more slowly, trying to decide how to reply. After all, the house belongs to Al’s parents; Cosmo can’t refuse him access. And Al won’t be fazed by the news that his friend is going to a party on Saturday evening. Knowing Al, he’ll ask if he can come along. Now all the excitement, the euphoria, is gone, leaving a very chilly reality. The thought of Al meeting Amy, Jack, even Cara, makes Cosmo very nervous indeed. He tries to imagine Amy’s face if Al were to slip up and mention Becks, and his gut churns. As he walks, his mind darts to and fro trying to find a way through and he can think of only one solution. All he can do is to say that if Al is coming down then he, Cosmo, will take advantage of his visit to dash to London to see Becks. Al can look after Reggie again. It means missing Jack’s party but that’s definitely the lesser of two evils. Quickly Cosmo texts Becks, telling her of this opportunity of coming to see her. Even if she refuses, he’ll go anyway and stay at the flat. But why should she? Unless, of course, Al has dropped him in it with her. Once again Cosmo’s gut churns but, to his intense relief, Becks texts back almost immediately.

Great. Text me times. Off to a meeting xx