‘You shouldn’t let them talk to you like that,’ I said, but then looking at Susie’s large chest, emphasised by the low-cut purple top she was wearing, I saw I was fighting a losing battle.

‘Ah well, doesn’t matter. Are you doing research today?’ She gestured towards the back of the café. The four computers spaced out on a high bench, each with stools tucked neatly underneath. I always used the one on the far left, furthest away from the counter.

I nodded, damn right I was.

‘I’ll put the lights on back there. How’s the book coming along?’

‘Slow.’

‘Then I’ll bring you a hot chocolate,’ Susie replied, squeezing my shoulder. She reminded me of a perfect mum, always wanting to take care of everyone. So different from mine. It was such a shame she didn’t have any kids yet, but her time would come. Perhaps when her husband was home from the rigs.

I headed to the back of the café, my blood still boiling from the customer who had just left. What right did he have to talk to either of us that way? Why did men think they could say whatever they wanted with no consequences? Treat women any way they felt like? I had to stop myself from following him, although I fantasised about it for a while. Leaving a present on his doorstep, faeces in a bag set alight, or I’d heard brake fluid poured on a car melted the paint right off. Revenge stoked the fire within me and I liked it. Maybe a bit too much. Something had to be done. I had to make a stand. They had to pay, but Ian was first.

I turned my attention to the search engine on screen and began to type. If I was going to do it, it had to be right. Every possible outcome had to be anticipated, every loose strand tied up. There could be no room for error otherwise the consequences didn’t bear thinking about.

I stayed for another hour, making mental notes. No pen and paper for me. I wasn’t stupid. When Ian texted me later asking how I was and telling me his team had won at rugby the day before, I left it a while before replying. I was deliberating on what to say. I sensed he liked the chase and I was happy to oblige. After a few hours, just before bedtime, I responded.

Well done. Sorry, been out all day. See you tomorrow. X