He can be as infuriating as he can be charming, at times.

‘I think maybe my reactions are born out of experience, Nico.’

He laughs, but it’s perfunctory. ‘With age comes wisdom, Fern?’

I feel that he’s being purposely challenging, almost goading me.

‘Knowing people will get hurt because they are making bad decisions is soul-destroying to watch, whether you are close to them, or not.’

‘Are you trying to save the world, or save yourself?’

I glare at him angrily and he throws his hands up, palms facing me.

‘Sorry, I take that back. I’m in an argumentative mood tonight for some reason and I apologise. You are the very last person I want to alienate as I know your intentions are nothing but good. I’m taking my frustrations out on you and that’s unfair of me. I’ll have a general conversation with Taylor when the moment presents itself and see if he’s comfortable and in control of the situation.’

‘Thank you. And I owe you an apology, too, Nico. It’s not my place to express concerns and I didn’t mean to imply I was doubting your judgement in any way.’

We glance at each other sheepishly, before sipping our coffees. Nico’s eyes seem fixated.

‘Don’t move. Not one muscle.’

He dashes off, back into the studio, but I’m a little freaked. If he’s seen a giant spider or something, I hope he would have warned me so I could run, too. Instead he returns with a sketch pad and pencil.

‘Good, continue drinking, but keep the mug up in the air if you don’t mind.’

I flash him a look of mild annoyance but do as he bids.

‘So, any news from home today?’ he asks.

His pencil skims over the page with ease as I focus on maintaining the pose, conscious of the experienced models Nico will have worked with in the past.

‘All’s well. You said there were three visitors here this weekend,’ I reply, changing the subject promptly. ‘John, of course, and Ceana mentioned a lady named Ellie, who is stopping off to break her journey and explore the area. Who’s the third person?’

‘Mmm,’ he nods, distractedly, so I remain silent. And still.

After a minute or two, he replies.

‘An interviewee coming to take a look at the set-up here. It’s a pity Ceana isn’t around as he’s a friend of one of her former work colleagues and comes highly recommended. I’ll spend some time with him, but he’s only staying one night and will fly back to the UK on Sunday morning.’

‘You’re pushing ahead then?’