Oh bugger, I am really screwed.

I must not feel anxious. This is scary. I must not rely on him. I can cope without Noah, I can, I can.

He is just a friend, and people cope with losing friends. I hardly know him, it’s not like he’s Bea. Or even Robbie’s mum or dad.

‘p.s. you don’t have to reply to that! N’

I must keep it light.

‘You are incredible! R x’

I pick up the debris of crisp packets and cake wrappers and wonder if I should turn my mobile off. Steve still hasn’t texted. What if I am still totally un-dateable?

‘Hey!’

Oh my God, an unknown number! It’s him, it’s Steve.

I sink back down on the sofa with a sigh of relief. It’s official. I have got a first date.

Chapter 12

‘Wow.’ Noah gives a low whistle that makes my skin shiver as he slips off his stool and leans forward to kiss my cheek.

I’d been dreading this, seeing him again. I’ve had butterflies of anticipation and have been a total wreck all day, worried that we’d spoiled everything. That we’d lost our easy friendship. Which I like. I realised last night that I will miss Noah so much when he decides he’s taught me all he knows or is just too busy to see me.

But just like that he’s made everything better.

‘Aren’t you the sexy lady? Give me a twirl!’ He grins, dimples framing his generous mouth, and I blush, feeling happy. Then I have to remind myself that he’s a pro. He’s doing his job.

‘I look okay?’ I ask as I self-consciously turn slowly on the spot. My makeover was completed after work by a new haircut, with added colour, and I am now everything Noah told me I should try and be. Me.

I have completed my homework to the best of my ability. I have bought clothes that I have always longed to wear and have changed what I want to change – my hair. Ignoring what anybody else might think – including my bank manager. Who is going to think I have been abducted by aliens, and been forced to divulge my pin number.

I have been primped and poked (not in that way) like never before. I was afraid that the inside of my wardrobe looked strangely alien. It would seem the clothes don’t look quite as alien on me, unless Noah has really weird taste.

‘Bloody hell. You are looking so gorgeous you’ve just made me forget my pick-up line!’

‘Well what a crap teacher you are going to be!’

He chuckles, and the moment that could have been awkward is suddenly quite chilled. ‘I ordered you a drink, is that okay?’

‘How do you know what I like?’ I can’t help it. I give him my suspicious look.

‘Rosie, Rosie.’ He takes my hand in his two warm ones. One finger tapping the back. ‘Tip number one, give a guy a tiny bit of the control, let him make a decision now and again. You know, not rule your life, just tinker with the simple stuff that doesn’t really matter.’