I knew it was impossible to tell him about my letter-writing exercise and as nothing was going to come of it anyway, it would have been pointless. More likely than not mentioning my parents again would have caused an argument, so instead I told him briefly about the skating and how amazing Dolly was on the ice and thanked him for the cafetière and extra coffee.

‘She’s feeling very spoilt,’ I said.

‘Well I’m trying to make more of an effort.’

‘She told me you chatted for ages the other night,’ I felt myself go hot as I remembered that the conversation had included a lie Dolly had told for me.

‘We did,’ he said, ‘and I’m pleased she’s liked her presents.’

It wasn’t lost on me that Jonathan had used material gifts to win Dolly around, while certain other folk had gone out of their way to set up experiences and trips out. Memories rather than stuff.

‘So, what are your plans for tomorrow?’ Jonathan eventually asked after spending ages giving me the lowdown on his weekend – fine dining in a swanky restaurant, followed by an overnight stay on a friend’s yacht made his couple of days sound far fancier than mine.

I told him about the photos Rose had picked up and how busy she had said the school was. I also mentioned that it was a bit much for Dolly, which wasn’t strictly true but led me nicely into telling him that I was occasionally helping out a bit myself, just to share the load.

‘Well, don’t tire yourself out,’ was all he said, ‘you’re supposed to be there on holiday, remember?’

I was surprised by his lack of reaction, but grateful for it and promised I wouldn’t overdo things and that I would be fighting fit for when I saw him again.

‘I better go,’ I said eventually, standing up and giving him a glimpse of my bare skin before I wrapped myself in the bath towel. My legs were feeling much more relaxed than before. ‘The water’s going cold.’

‘I could tell,’ he drawled. ‘You look like you’ve got goosebumps.’

‘Well don’t zoom in,’ I laughed, not even sure if that was possible.

‘I don’t have to,’ he grinned.

‘I’ll speak to you in a few days.’

‘All right,’ he said, leaning forward to sign off. ‘Have fun at school.’

‘I’ll try.’

‘Love you.’

‘Love you too.’

I was feeling as light as air by the time I finished dressing. Thoughts of the card were banished and it was a relief that Jonathan knew I was working in school. Now I wouldn’t have to be guarded about letting anything slip whenever we spoke. I had been wrong to think that he would object. I really hadn’t been giving him enough credit recently.