‘Please humour me. I need to know before I continue.’

‘OK… well, I’d say we’re seeing each other. It’s early days but I’m keen for it to go somewhere. I haven’t “staked my claim” yet, if that’s what you’re asking?’

I swallow nervously. He’s astute. Already cottoned on to the idea that there may be another bloke in the mix.

‘I… yes, I guess that is what I’m asking. OK, good. Think we’re pretty aligned on that.’

He stays quiet, so I continue.

‘When I was on the phone last night, it was to my ex-fiancé. He wants to get back together. He came down here a few weeks ago to tell me and I was left with a really difficult decision.’

‘Because you’d only just started seeing me, and he’s someone you know inside out.’ He wrinkles his nose. ‘Hmm, wish I hadn’t put it quite like that.’

I clear my throat to stifle a giggle. ‘Yes, well, that’s pretty much the picture and I’ve been really confused.’

‘Why did you break up? You never said before.’

This question cuts through me so sharply I can almost feel the slice. My stomach bubbles with nausea. This is it. I have to tell him about my MS and once I do, I know he’ll never look at me the same again. I take a deep breath, feeling a trembling to my core that quickly extends down my arms right to my fingers.

‘We… we broke up because… because… we weren’t seeing eye to eye and we never addressed the important stuff. Then it all crept up on us before we could deal with it.’

It’s out my mouth before I can stop myself. I can almost see my ‘untruth’ hanging in the air, taunting me for being such a coward. It’s not a complete lie: those elements did factor in my break-up with Dom. I’ve just omitted the catalyst that brought them to light. Now I have one chance to correct myself and tell the full truth.

‘It happens.’ Matt shrugs, and it’s clear he’s not going to probe further. He’s too respectful for that. ‘So, you’re either about to tell me that you’ve chosen to work through these biggies with him, or you’ve decided to take a chance on a Brummie lad.’

‘You’re not angry?’ I ask, bewildered.

‘Why would I be angry? You had a decision to make, you’ve clearly made it, and now you’re about to communicate the outcome. As an engineering professional, I’m quite satisfied with that process. Nice and logical.’

He casually reaches over, picks up his coffee and takes a slug.

‘Right.’ I rub my forehead absently. ‘So, just to check, you’re not mad that I was sort of seeing my ex at the same time as you?’

‘I don’t really see it that way, Alex. I’ve said that I hope there’s a future for us, but I’m also aware that it’s early days, so I don’t have any right to take issue with it.’