‘Dark in a good way, right? Honestly, Ro, you’re so like Mum: always looking for a problem where none exists. You worry too much. How much longer are you in New York for? Two more weeks? That’s nothing – what can go wrong? The way I see it, having Abs’s friend here while you’re away actually works in your favour. At least she’s not alone.’

‘Yeah, I guess,’ said Rohan, but I could tell, even without seeing the clench of his jaw, that he was not convinced.

‘Look at it this way,’ Mili said. ‘It’ll all be over in two weeks.’

The thought was terrifying. She had no idea.

When I finally entered the kitchen, a few minutes after Mili had left, I found Rohan rummaging around for something to eat before he left for the airport. I’d taken a shower, done my hair and make-up, and put on a dress. Dutiful wife. If that’s what Rohan wanted, I could give it to him.

‘No. I’ll cook us some lunch,’ I said, batting him away. ‘Sit down. Relax.’

I pulled two salmon fillets out of the fridge. ‘Baked salmon with veg? And I think I have a Sancerre somewhere in here. Fancy a glass?’

I pretended not to notice that Rohan’s mouth fell open as I bustled about getting the glasses and opening the wine.

‘Sounds lovely,’ he said. ‘But salmon? Are you actually going to eat that? You hate fish.’

‘Yeah. Grace got me into it. She likes it and it’s much easier than cooking two different meals.’

‘Okay,’ Rohan said, nodding. I wondered if he, too, was remembering the way I used to say fish were prettier swimming in the sea than dead on a plate. I turned on the oven, took out a baking tray and placed the fish on it, spooning a little pesto onto the top of each fillet. Then I poured the Sancerre and chinked my glass against his.

‘Cheers.’

‘Cheers.’

I popped the fish in the oven when it pinged, then rummaged in the fridge for the veg and started trimming it ready to cook. All the while, Rohan’s eyes followed me.

‘So – your pictures,’ he said. ‘I wonder what Grace will make of them.’ My heart thundered: had I somehow let on that they were of her? But no. ‘Does she know she’s your muse?’ he continued, and I managed a shrug that I hoped looked nonchalant. Rohan swilled the Sancerre around his glass.

‘It’s a shame you won’t see her today. She’ll be back later this evening,’ I said and I hoped I sounded sincere.

‘How long do you think she’ll stay with you? There was a message for her from the estate agent yesterday, by the way – Katie something? – she’s apparently got a place that she thinks is the perfect fit.’

‘Oh, okay. I’ll tell her to call.’