‘So, I would just check in on the people staying here and make sure the cleaners don’t have any problems. After that, I help assess the new intake on Monday? Generally circulating and reporting back to you?’

‘Yep. Don’t forget to check that the mid-week linen change has already been delivered and that we aren’t low on towels. That’s about it. Low-key but necessary to keep things ticking over. And in return you get to create your very own masterpiece. Think of all those tubes of paint… just waiting for the touch of a brush.’

He makes it sound almost sensual.

‘Enough! I’m sold. You knew I would say yes, didn’t you? Although, I have to admit, I think I’m benefitting the most from this deal.’

Nico smiles. ‘That’s because you’re a lovely lady. It’s in your nature to nurture, so you don’t see it as a chore.’

I glance at him, caught off guard by his observation. What else has he noticed? I wonder.

‘My family are rather demanding at times. There’s always someone to look out for and a problem to help solve. People’s well-being is also crucial to my work, so it’s ingrained in me now.’

He studies my face and I watch as his eyes flick over me.

‘You care about people, Fern, and sometimes that can end up being a burden. But here you are, alone and stepping outside of your comfort zone to discover new interests. That’s a bold move for anyone at any time in their life.’

I shrug. ‘I think it’s my husband who is the bold one. We accepted that for our year off work we wanted to do different things. It’s an opportunity we’re lucky to have, but perhaps it’s foolish. We won’t know until it’s over, I guess.’

‘Things weren’t going well between you?’ Nico’s frown is genuine; he’s trying to understand my situation.

‘Maybe we’d grown a little complacent. We rely upon each other and I suppose, with hindsight, that is a form of complacency because it can lead to taking each other for granted. Knowing you are there for each other whenever, whatever happens. I don’t see that as a bad thing, but maybe absence does make the heart grow fonder.’

‘So, it’s a year of brave new discoveries which is also a huge risk for you both.’ His words are unsettling. I miss my normal routine; my normal life. But each day here is bringing with it something new and I’m realising things about myself that are surprising, as I begin to understand how strangers perceive me. And now Nico is prepared to put his trust in me, which is a confidence boost I wasn’t expecting.