I take a sip from my drink and swallow uncomfortably. ‘OK. We went for a nice walk in a forest—’

‘Romantic.’ Dom nods approval. ‘He’s a smooth one. Tell me more about him.’

‘OK. His name is Matt. He’s… outdoorsy, has a sense of humour… I’m not sure what else to say.’

‘Did you kiss him?’

I redden. ‘Yes.’

‘Hey, it’s OK, kitten.’ Dom squeezes my hand. ‘I can’t expect you to drop your new life the moment I turn up. Obviously, I’d prefer you weren’t seeing someone else, but that’s how it is.’

‘And you’re hoping I’ve chosen you.’

‘I think that’s clear.’

‘You certainly seem to be the Dom I always knew. So confident, laid back; a grafter but always able to make everything look so easy. What happened to us?’

Dom shrugs and I see the slightest twinge of emotion in his face. ‘You had a life-changing diagnosis and I didn’t handle it well. Seems that I’m not entirely unshakeable after all.’

‘That makes two of us. I was so stubborn, I’ve realised that now. It’s still hard, feels unnatural, but I know that I have to let people support me.’ I catch his eye. ‘It just needs to be appropriate support.’

‘Of course.’ He nods automatically and I can tell that he hasn’t really taken in what I’ve said. ‘Does that mean having your mum and sister back in your life?’

‘They know they can be in my life if they accept me being here. They’ve chosen not to. In their heads that’s their way of showing they care but it also shows how much they want to control my life and choices, and I’m not up for that.’

‘I hear you. Hopefully they’ll chill out after a bit, especially if they know I’m down here looking after you.’

My breath stutters in my throat. Though it wasn’t quite an assumption, the language jars with me: like Dom is my saviour and the solution to all my problems. I’ve made this change in my life myself and it’s worked out so far. My mother and my sister are only part of the picture.

Realising I’m being oversensitive, and sorely aware of my track record in this area, I cast this thought aside and make an effort to continue the conversation without judgement.

‘Sir, madam, are you ready to go to your table?’ Yet another member of staff has materialised out of nowhere.

We drain our drinks, get up from our seats and follow him through to the restaurant.

Our meal is outstanding. The immaculate and colourful presentation of the food wows us, while the array of textures and flavours sends our taste buds into orbit. It’s not just the different dishes we choose, but all the little extras: the freshly home-baked breads with artisan butter, the amuse-bouche, the pre-dessert. It’s such an indulgent experience, I’m not even bothered by having to stick to my two-drink limit. I feel well and truly spoiled by the experience, and Dom is the perfect gentleman, showering me with affection and compliments. It’s just like we were, but with the extra excitement of spending time together after so long apart. I can feel a longing inside of me to spend the night together, to be physically close to him as well as connecting again emotionally. Yet I’m also aware that something’s still not quite right. Under different circumstances, I’d have no reason not to give Dom and me as a couple another go. Sasha and my family would certainly approve. The problem is: I can’t get Matt out of my head.