‘It wasn’t really a date, Bev. He just turned up in the shop and then we had a quick drink in the pub, that’s all.’

‘Well, it sounded as though you were very cosy there by the fire.’

‘Bloody hell! Is nothing private at all in this place?’

‘Nope, we’re just looking out for you. Don’t panic, I don’t have a webcam on you or anything.’

‘It wouldn’t surprise me.’

They both laughed.

‘Thank heavens for that.’ Em stood by the kettle as it came to a boil, ready to pour into the cafetière.

‘So, what next?’ Bev took a large bite of croissant.

Em brought the coffee across and a jug of hot milk. She took up the other stool.

‘Oh, I don’t know, Bev. I’m not even sure if I want a next. It still feels all wrong. Like I’d always be comparing him to Luke. When I kiss someone – it’s just not like Luke. I don’t know how I get around that.’

‘So, you’ve kissed!’ Bev clapped her hands together gleefully. ‘So … it’s not like Luke, but was it good?’

Em stayed quiet. Thinking about it, yes it was. But it felt wrong to admit it. ‘It was different,’ was all that she was prepared to say.

‘Different good, or different sloppy and awful?’ Bev needled away.

Emma really didn’t want to talk about this any more. She just gave her friend a sharp look.

‘Okay, sorry I asked.’

Em found herself smiling but then felt sad too. ‘In all honesty, Bev, I just don’t know if it’s worth all the bloody effort. It’s bound to just fizzle out. And then, there’s mention of a girlfriend. He says it’s all over, but I’ve heard that line before.’

‘Ah.’

‘Yeah, exactly. It just seems all too complicated.’

‘Life’s always complicated.’ Bev gave an understanding smile.

They both bit into their croissants.

‘Don’t I know it,’ Em smiled back.

‘But he did come back to find you. And he did say that was all over.’

‘Well, yeah …’ Em’s voice trailed.

‘Well then. So, do you think he’ll ring?’

Emma felt her heart give a little flutter. Now that was the million-dollar question.