He put his arm around me and pulled me to him and whispered, “I’m sorry. It looks like you were going through a tough time. I shouldn’t have laughed at you.” I leaned into him and kissed his cheek. The clerk called me forward to weigh my bag and check my documents and by the time Harry had done the same, I felt okay again.

It had been years since I’d traveled with anyone but Tom. It was an adventure, like the start of a holiday, where you think anything can happen.

“He didn’t suspect anything, did he?” asked Harry when we were having a quick drink at the bar before boarding the plane.

I shook my head. “I’m so used to hiding things from him now. He didn’t suspect a thing.”

“Nor did Emma,” he said. “Mind you, she’s always thinking about work. I doubt she’s even noticed I’ve gone.”

I knew Tom would’ve noticed I’d gone. I knew I’d pay the price when I returned.

Our flight was only ninety minutes long and it seemed by the time we got on and had a drink it was time to get off again. I was disappointed; I enjoyed sitting with Harry in the cramped cabin. It was good to be able to be with him without worrying about someone seeing us. I’d had a quick look around the cabin as we entered, and I know Harry did, too. When everyone was seated, he walked the length of the plane and I know he was checking to see whether there was anyone he knew. When he came back, he sat down and said, “All safe,” and kissed me.

The flight was great, not too crowded and with a smooth takeoff. It seemed to go by in a flash. Landing has always terrified me, though, and as we approached Charles de Gaulle airport, I squeezed my hands tightly to take my mind off what was happening.

Harry looked down at my lap. “Are you okay? Your knuckles are white.”

I nodded. “I hate this. I don’t mind flying, but this . . .” We bumped onto the runway and I caught my breath.

“We’re here now.” He held my hands and gently rubbed them. “You’re okay.”

I tried to smile. “We’re alive!”

He laughed. “That bad, eh? You should have said, honey.”

“It’s stupid, I know,” I said. “I know all about there being more chance of an accident if you’re crossing the road, but it still terrifies me every time.”

He stroked my face with the back of his hand. I leaned against his hand and kissed it. “Do you remember I told you Tom and I went to New York a couple of years ago?”

He nodded.