‘No, not a date,’ I replied. Ben was cooking dinner, which had become a weekly event on the nights when he wasn’t working. Tonight, he was doing an Italian theme and any dish based around carbs was good for me. I couldn’t deny I was looking forward to spending time with him.

The conversation turned to supportive running shoes. Laura had bought some Brooks trainers, but she was struggling with painful hips when she ran.

‘I’ll give you the number of my physio,’ Beth piped up. She was a tall, wiry woman, all bone and sinew.

‘Do you think he’ll be able to help?’ Laura asked, knocking back her lager.

‘Sure, he’ll probably give you some exercises to loosen your hip muscles. They’re renowned for being tight when you do an office job.’ Ahmed knew his stuff.

I remained quiet. I wasn’t overly knowledgeable on exercise and it seemed to be the topic of choice. Although I was able to talk about the benefits of boxercise, and how getting a punchbag installed might bring in some more customers. Sam, aka yoga girl, pouted and suggested an investment into yoga blocks instead. I tried to hide my eye roll, but Ian caught it and smirked, sharing the joke.

The conversation was dull, and after I finished my drink I thanked Ahmed and Ian for the invitation and made my excuses. When I stood, Ian let me out and followed me to the door, holding it open. A sharp intake of breath escaped my lips when he stepped out after me. But there were too many people around for him to try anything.

‘Do you fancy doing this again? Maybe just the two of us next time?’

The words stuck in my throat as Ian surveyed me.

‘I’d love to.’

His face relaxed, mouth morphing into a grin. ‘Brilliant. I’m away over Christmas, so perhaps in the New Year?’

Although it was what I wanted, I couldn’t help but feel I’d been given a reprieve. I nodded, my head bobbing a bit too enthusiastically.

He held his phone, to take my number, which I gave him. Then flicking his finger upwards, he closed his open apps, pausing over Facebook. ‘Are you on here?’

‘I am, but I hardly ever post anything. To be honest I try and avoid social media.’ I smiled, it was true, but I was smiling because he’d just given away his last name without me even having to ask. Ian Shaw.

‘I know what you mean. I think I’m getting too old for it.’ He chuckled and then the silence stretched out between us. ‘Well, have a nice Christmas.’ He held my arm and leaned forward to kiss me on the cheek. My insides squirmed, legs twitching as though they wanted to carry me away.