‘Listen, I’m probably not the person you should be talking to about this stuff. But you’ve called me here to get you and now I feel responsible, so you’ve got to tell me if I should be bringing you to a police station or a hospital. Do you understand what I’m saying?’

There was a sharpness in his voice that set her off crying again, and she felt his hand on her shoulder then, his voice softening: ‘Hey, hey. I didn’t mean for that to come out so harshly. I’m just worried.’

‘I know. And you’re so nice to come and get me. I feel so stupid now.’

He gave her a moment, his hand still on her shoulder, softly coaxing her, and she took a deep breath and said:

‘Callum and I … I thought it was what I wanted, but now … I don’t know.’

Embarrassment flooded through her. There was no way she could tell him about the gun.

‘Oh, Eva.’ He shook his head and when she snuck a glance at him, she could see the anxiety had fallen away from his face, replaced by an expression that seemed closer to pity.

‘This guy, Callum – this is the guy you were with in my house? Your boyfriend?’

‘He’s not my boyfriend. We’re in the same tennis club.’

‘And you like him?’

She didn’t answer, just stared hard at her knees, waves of uncertainty washing over her.

‘Look, I don’t know what happened back there,’ Ross said. ‘And I’ve got to tell you that when I hear this guy slipped you a tab first, that sets alarm bells ringing in my head. But Eva, you’re just a kid. And relationships can be confusing. Sex can be confusing. Especially at your age when you’re still figuring these things out.’

‘I just thought it would be different.’

‘Yeah, well. Listen, I’m not sure if anyone’s first time is ever really what they expect it to be. In fact, I’m pretty sure that ninety per cent of the time it’s a disappointment. But it gets better. Trust me.’

She gave him a watery smile. ‘Promise?’

‘I promise.’ He grinned at her, relief visible on his face. ‘Listen, I know you’ve had a crappy night and you’re probably thinking there’s no way you’re going to do that again, but in a few months’ time you’ll be finished with school and embarking on the next stage of your life, and once you’re in university, then it will be all parties and boys, boys, boys. You’re going to have the time of your life, and you’ll look back on this night and laugh about how worried you were.’

It felt good to hear him say this even if her limbs still felt shuddery and strange.