‘Yes please.’ I could certainly do with one after this rollercoaster of a night.

As Matt heads to the bar, I pretend to laugh along with the banter, while my mind is in turmoil over my conversation with Dom. It was never going to be easy. But the way he ended the call shocked me. His friends thought he’d had a lucky escape? I’ve hung out with them many times, considered them friends of mine too. How could they be so cruel? And why did Dom feel the need to share that? Was he just letting his emotions overwhelm him like before or was he trying to hurt me like I was hurting him? Whatever the reason, it further confirms that I’ve made the right decision.

I do still love Dom, but not in the way I used to. I’ve caught myself too many times thinking of him as a security blanket, the guy who’ll give me everything and accept my situation – if Matt doesn’t. That’s not right or fair. I can forgive Dom his outburst, he’s confused and he’s hurting. But I couldn’t forgive myself if I used him as my fallback position. If Matt walks once I’ve shared everything with him (which I fully expect him to), then I go on alone. I focus on all the good stuff, and if the right man eventually comes along, that’s a bonus.

‘You OK?’ Sasha extricates herself from her flirting with Sammy and lowers her voice as she sits down next to me. ‘Want to go to the toilets for a chat?’

‘Nah, I’m fine.’

‘You sure?’

‘I’m sure.’ I swallow thickly, then, keeping my voice low, I quickly fill Sasha in on what’s happened.

‘Oh, Lex. I’m sorry,’ says Sasha once I’m done. ‘But you’ve done the right thing. You’re doing the right thing. It’ll all work out, I promise.’

‘You can’t promise that, Sash.’

‘No, I can’t. But I get a really good feeling from Matt.’

‘I do too. I’m totally falling for him. But no matter how great a person he is, he may not want to take things any further – and that’s absolutely his prerogative.’

‘I know. I guess…’

‘You just want it to work out. As do I.’

‘Exactly.’ She screws up her nose in frustration at having no control over the situation.

‘You two seem to be getting on well.’ I nod in the direction of Sammy.

‘He’s so sweet. I love his hair, it’s so funky. He’s asked me on a date already.’

‘Fast mover.’

‘I know. We’re going for brunch tomorrow.’

Sasha’s eyes are alight with excitement and anticipation. It’s so lovely to see after the hard time she’s had.

‘There you go.’ I give her a playful nudge. ‘You’ve not even moved here yet and you’ve already found yourself a Brummie. Is brunch straight after spending the night together? No walk of shame for you then.’

‘Stop it. Don’t jinx it, Lex. And we won’t be spending the night together. I just met him, like five minutes ago.’