Now that my notice period had ended, I had officially started work at the boxing club, focusing initially on a promotion to bring in business. I spent my days canvassing, promoting the club on social media and even managed to get a slot on the local radio station. The rate of sign-up had almost doubled each week and Jason was thrilled. I began work early in the morning, making sure the gym was manned from seven; lights and heating on, hot water ready, before tidying up from the evening before. I finished around two after Jason came in, so we could have a handover. It was early days, but I was enjoying it.

At five o’clock I headed to Pulse. Fridays were always busy, but I went regardless of whether I wanted to or not. The atmosphere today was jubilant, and everyone was chatty. Ahmed had put up some tinsel, which brightened the chrome and white décor, injecting a bit of colour. Ten minutes into my run on the treadmill, Ian got on beside me, his pace matching mine. There hadn’t been much progress since our initial hello, but I wasn’t giving up. We exchanged smiles, but then I focused on my run. The last thing I wanted to do was fall off the treadmill and make an idiot of myself. I finished before him and went to get a drink to cool off before embarking on the cross trainer. The air felt electric, like something was going to happen. I was right, Ian followed soon after and I tried my best to relax my shoulders as he approached.

‘Hey, are you coming tonight?’ he asked.

‘Where?’

‘The pub, it’s our Christmas drink. Did Ahmed not mention it?’

I shook my head and took a sip of water. My stomach gurgled loudly.

‘He must have forgotten. Come with us, we’re going in about half an hour.’

I must have looked apprehensive as he continued with a chuckle.

‘There’s a group of us. We normally go to the pub around once a month. You should come.’

‘I don’t want to impose,’ I said.

‘You’re not. Come. I insist.’

I nodded, and he left to use the rowing machine.

An hour later we were sitting in the Half Moon pub, on the corner of the high street, five minutes from the gym. We gathered at a large round table near the entrance and I sat in view of one of the cameras that I’d clocked when we walked in. Ian pushed Ahmed out of the way to sit next to me, which he got a ribbing for. Ahmed offered to buy the first round and I ordered a Coke.

‘Not drinking?’ Ian’s face sagged slightly.

‘No, I can’t stay long. I’ve got a… thing.’ I sounded aloof, but not on purpose, I didn’t know what to say.

‘A date?’ he asked.