‘Lex, what the hell?’ she cries once I’m done. ‘What are you going to do? Can’t believe Dom just turned up like that.’

‘Me neither.’

‘He’s such a great guy. Solid husband material. But Matt’s totally delicious too.’

I moan in despair. ‘See my problem?’

‘Wish the only problem I had was two amazing guys fighting over me.’

I wince at this but decide not to indulge Sasha’s negativity to keep her in the better frame of mind she’s managed to get to.

‘Technically it’s a one-sided fight. Only Dom knows he has competition. Kind of thinking Matt doesn’t need to know anything right now, it’s such early days. Is that wrong?’

‘No, I don’t think so. Though I wouldn’t take it too much further without being up front. If you end up with Matt, you don’t want this lurking in the background, growing big wiry horns.’

‘That’s sound advice. Thanks, Sash.’ I expel a troubled sigh. ‘That means I potentially have two unpleasant things I’ll have to reveal to him at some point. Maybe I should cut my losses now and just get back with Dom…’

‘No, don’t. I love Dom to bits, but I want you to choose the man that’s right for you. You helped me see that I had to do something difficult to get to the right outcome. Now it’s time for you to do the same.’

‘I guess you’re right. I should heed my own advice.’

We chat a bit longer, keeping the focus on the possibilities for Sasha’s new life here in Birmingham, and then say good night. I’m about to switch the TV back on when I realise I haven’t heard anything from Dom. He’s probably giving me space, but I feel the need to check in with him, especially as he came all the way down here. I compose and send a quick WhatsApp message.

That you home now? Hope your journey was OK. Thanks again for the lovely dinner. I’ll be in touch soon, I promise. xx

I can see that he reads it immediately. He types a response.

Hi kitten. Yes, home and settled. Missing your beautiful face already. Dx

I smile at his message, then feel a pang of sadness as my mind flicks through happy memories of our relationship – our first date, the moment he told me he loved me, the day he proposed on the Rialto Bridge during our trip to Venice. It all seemed so perfect until everything changed. I miss you too, Dom. I didn’t think I did but I really do. So why is that not enough for me to sign up to a future together right now?

Chapter 26

The week flies in as expected and by the time my Wednesday evening date with Matt comes round, I’m filled with heady excitement and anticipation for where he’s taking me. All I know is he’s picking me up outside at 6:30 p.m. – and thankfully, he hasn’t suggested I wear any active gear.