I popped home at lunchtime. Ben and I rustled up beans on toast after he had discovered the fridge was empty and our stomachs rumbled in joint protest. I promised to go shopping in the afternoon and Ben tried to give me some cash, but I refused.

‘I’m doing all right for money at the minute. If I need it, I’ll shout. I promise.’

He shoved the notes back in his wallet.

‘Amy’s been hassling me about coming for dinner,’ Ben admitted.

I raised my eyebrows, glad my mouth was full, and I wasn’t about to speak before I had a chance to initiate my filter.

‘Oh? Let me know when and I’ll make myself scarce.’

Ben rolled his eyes. ‘No, you idiot, she wants to come for dinner, with all of us. Together.’

Oh God, could I sit through that?

Ben sniggered, reading my thoughts. ‘It won’t be that bad.’

I hadn’t been able to hide my expression fast enough. Being a gooseberry, in my own kitchen and having to be polite whilst she hung off his every word sounded like torture.

‘Okay, you’re cooking though. You can cook for your harem.’ I smirked, and Ben’s ears tinged pink. I was sure he was going to hate it as much as I was.

We left soon after; he had some errands to run before work and I had to get back to the club.

That evening, after a dinner of pasta carbonara, I settled in front of the television to write some more in my journal. Checking the dates against the calendar on my phone. I needed to get into the habit of doing it daily, but nothing about my life was routine any more, even the visits to the gym.

I opened the PetCam app, expecting to see another view of Ian’s empty sofa, so was surprised to see Ian sitting with the laptop on his knees. Muting the television, I turned the volume on the phone right up and switched on the speaker. He was talking to someone. Who was there, was it a woman? My skin prickled, but then I saw his neck crooked to the side, holding the slim phone against his ear with his shoulder. The speaker wasn’t great quality and I could barely make out the words, but I heard Ian say ‘account’ and ‘premium’. He must still be working.