‘She’s a friend. It was the least I could do to help her get back on her feet.’

Rohan took a deep breath and let it out as he pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘Jesus, Abs. I know I earn a good salary, but I’m supporting both of us, paying the mortgage and the bills, flying to and from New York to see you, and trying to save for the future as well – for our children.’

I rolled my eyes. ‘Oh, here comes the emotional blackmail.’

‘Look, Abs,’ Rohan said. ‘All I’m saying is there’s helping, and then there’s giving someone free board and lodging, and buying them a new wardrobe. Grace’s been here several weeks already. When’s she going to start standing on her own two feet? Has she even looked for a flat yet? If you make it too cushy here, she’s never going to want to leave.’

‘You sound like you want her to leave,’ I said. ‘You disappear off to New York and then want my friend, who’s keeping me company, to move out. Charming.’

Rohan threw his arms in the air. ‘For God’s sake! Don’t be so ridiculous!’ He picked up some of the mail that he’d stacked on the hall table. ‘How long’s she planning on staying? Have you asked her? Because this post is for her. She’s having her mail sent here. That’s not the action of someone who’s planning to move out.’

‘Where else is she supposed to send it? She doesn’t have an address in the UK yet and her parents are dead, if you remember.’

Rohan stared at me. ‘I’m just worried, that’s all. She’s staying here rent-free. She’s not helping around the house. She’s not contributing to the grocery bills, yet she’s getting her mail delivered here and now you’re buying her new clothes – not just any clothes, but from Hobbs! For God’s sake, Abs.’ He paced the hallway with his hands linked behind his head, then he turned to face me. ‘Is everything okay with her here?’

I shrugged. ‘Why wouldn’t it be?’

‘I just wonder. Because I’m getting the feeling she’s using you. And I know how sweet and kind you can be. Sometimes people take advantage of you.’ He put a hand in the air to stop me interrupting. ‘You know it’s true. So, do you actually like her being here? Because from what I see, I’m not so sure.’

‘It’s not as if I see so much of her,’ I said. ‘She’s at work all day. But it’s nice to have company. Of course it is.’

Rohan narrowed his eyes. ‘You’ve changed, Abs. Since she’s arrived, you’ve changed. And I don’t like it. I don’t like it one bit.’