He leans in and kisses me on the cheek and I close my eyes, remembering how much I longed for his touch for so many years. I dreamed of this reunion, I savoured different versions of it in my head and spent so many nights thinking about him and what we could have had. But it’s not for me. He’s not for me after all.

I walk through the bar and, just like in slow motion, I see another version of myself sitting there. I see myself, in Ana’s seat, waiting and hanging on Tom Farley’s every word.

I see another me in her. I’m there in Ana, beautiful, stunning Ana as she stares into her phone screen, killing time, not knowing that the girl across from her is also staring into her phone and waiting on him too – a girl who is pretending to be her friend.

I was that girl for long enough. I waited for Tom Farley long enough. But now it’s over.

I’m choosing love. I love my husband. I love my life. And it’s time I got that life back, the life that was meant for me, not the one I dreamed about. I close the door of the bar and leave them to it.

Chapter Twenty-Five

I walk out into the fresh air and feel a spring in my step as I make my way down by the marina. I find our bench and take a seat, not only for old times’ sake, but also to admire the view as I contemplate where I’ll find a bed for the night. Howth is scattered with a few B&Bs so I know I won’t be stuck. I just need a few moments to reflect before I settle down for the night and look forward to returning home first thing in the morning where I’ll clean the house from top to toe and get ready for Jack coming home the day after tomorrow.

A cluster of boats of every colour sit in the bay in front of me. In the evening mist I spot red, yellow, blue and green as they bob on their anchors, with seagulls circling above and the lighthouse looking on. I inhale the fresh sea air, and when I breathe out I can’t help but smile, knowing I’m finally free.