Anita dropped her gaze to the table. It was almost unbearable.

‘Well, thank you,’ she mumbled. ‘I think it’s a horrible shame that we met at the wrong time in my life. I’m sorry for messing you around like this, Rohan. I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you.’

She tried to give her tone an edge of finality, to make it clear no further discussion was welcome. She heard him sigh. The sigh sounded confused—understandably, because she was making no sense, given the reality of the relationship he’d experienced. And he sounded offended—also understandably.

‘Am I supposed to make you feel okay about hurting me in this mystifying way?’

‘No, no, it’s not like that.’

‘So were you just stringing me along all this time? I don’t get it … Fuck.’

‘I’m sorry.’

‘Okay, you’ve said the requisite number of sorries.’ There was a hard clip to his voice—something Anita had never heard before. ‘Well, I don’t understand it but I have to respect your decision. I might head off now.’

‘Sure. Thanks for meeting me.’

Rohan got up from the table, gathered his work files, folding into himself, self-protective, and turned to go. But then he twisted around to gaze at her, suddenly defenceless again.

‘Just tell me, Anita, are you really alright?’ he asked. ‘Is there anything I can do for you?’

The tenderness in his voice almost undid her.

‘No. I mean, yes, I’ll be okay. I’ll find some professional help or whatever. You don’t need to worry about me.’

‘I will worry about you anyway,’ he said. ‘Do you mind if I message you occasionally so I know you’re okay?’

‘Of course.’

He nodded and walked out of the cafe. She could tell by the way he held his shoulders that he was fighting the urge to cry. Which made Anita want to rush out into the street after him and wrap her arms around him, soothe him, beg forgiveness, explain everything, declare her love. But she couldn’t do that.

Travelling home alone, Anita pressed her cheek against the window of the bus, glad to let the vibration of the diesel engine rattle through her body.

It was just as well she and Rohan hadn’t yet got around to doing the mutual family introductions. That made things easier now. Anita would not have to untell her parents and her brothers about the gorgeous police detective with whom she’d formed her most mature, healthy and joyful relationship ever.