We chatted about his afternoon, he went out to the barbers and then the shops before stopping in to see Jason on the way home.

‘Did he tell you I was there earlier?’

‘Yep. He’s quite impressed, you know, thinks you have talent.’

I scoffed at that. ‘Unlikely.’

We moved on to talk about his work, the issues he was having onboarding a company who wanted to store antique furniture. The conversation flowed effortlessly; Ben was easy to talk to and I enjoyed his company. Plus, he made me laugh.

‘I have some news,’ I said, taking a sip of my second glass of wine. My head swam. Wine wasn’t my best drink and the alcohol was already starting to take effect, even with a stomach full of steak. Ben removed the empty plates in front of us, putting them on the side. He came back to the table and lit us both a cigarette. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I was quitting.

‘Go on.’ The intensity of his stare made my stomach flip.

‘I think I’m being made redundant.’

Ben frowned, taking in my announcement. ‘Fuck, Eve. I’m sorry. God why do all these things come at once!’

‘No, no, it’s voluntary.’ I wasn’t sure why I was telling Ben, maybe because I’d decided to go for it, take the money, clear my debts and start again.

‘Why?’ Ben was still frowning. Why was he frowning?

‘Because I need a change.’ I crossed my arms, annoyed he wasn’t looking at it positively. His concern mirrored my own and made me agitated, shifting in my seat. ‘Anyway, forget it. Let’s talk about something else,’ I said, trying to change the subject.

‘Okay, it’s your decision. I just don’t understand why, but I guess it’s up to you.’

‘Yes, it is, and I could do without your negativity.’ Regretting it as soon as it was out.

Ben spluttered, almost spitting his mouthful of wine all over the table. ‘Yeah, my negativity. Of course. That’s a fucking laugh that is. I’m the negative one?’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ I hadn’t meant to raise my voice, it just happened. I stubbed my cigarette out in the ashtray.

‘It’s him, isn’t it. You’re throwing your life away because of him.’

‘This has nothing to do with him.’

‘Yeah, sure.’ Ben’s eye’s darkened and he sneered.

‘I’m taking control, Ben. I need a change, a fresh start somewhere new. I’ll always be a victim there.’

‘They’ll forget in time.’

‘I won’t.’ I replied.