‘Fair is fair.’ Ian tried to sound light. ‘But what Monty knows is what I know. I haven’t been keeping track of the women he’s dating, getting to know, whatever he’s calling it. He keeps saying he’s in no hurry, that he’s got plenty of time. But he’s like a dog with two dicks, Edi, it’s got to be said.’

He’s in no hurry, I parroted back to myself. ‘Wait, he’s got plenty of time?’ They swapped looks, then, as though my question had reignited their panic. ‘How long has he said we’re doing this for?’

‘I think we need to draw a—’

‘No, Monty, tell me how long.’

Chapter 24

Three days and twenty-one missed calls later, I strolled out of work to find Rowan leaning against the wall opposite my office building. There was a heavy flow of traffic between us, and I felt a stab of gratitude as car after car went by, which gave me time enough to think of a reason for not answering his calls. Because he’s behaved like an arsehole, I decided, as I finally padded from my side of the street to his. But I couldn’t bring myself to say it. I flashed a tight smile and gave him a shrug.

‘Player Two has entered the game,’ I said as I came to a stop opposite him.

‘Did you think I’d just stop calling in the end?’ he asked, leaving my comment unremarked on. I wondered whether the boys had told him the extent of our talk. I still didn’t know whether he was player one or two; only that he was definitely becoming a player. And I didn’t like that on him. ‘Or were you just too busy with Fred to answer my calls?’

I physically recoiled at his use of her name. A stab of guilt moved through me as I thought of Rowan worrying about me with another man – who was actually another woman. But I corrected myself. Does he look like he’s feeling guilty to you? I shook my head by way of answering my own thought, but Rowan took it to mean I was answering him. When he spoke again his tone was flat, annoyed almost.

‘Edi, you can’t ghost the person you’re engaged to.’

‘No, but I can remove myself from a situation until I’m ready to deal with it.’

He laughed. ‘You sound like Lily.’