Five minutes later she was hurrying back up the stairwell clutching two hot plates. Roman had cleared a space and was sitting on the settee scrolling through his phone. ‘I wonder what Megan is having for her tea?’ he mused, as Ella placed the food on the table. ‘Look at the size of that pie!’

Ella had to agree it was ginormous, but she was absolutely starving and was going to devour every bit of it. ‘Tell me about Megan, what was she like as a little girl?’

Roman smiled and put down his knife and fork. ‘From day one she was inquisitive, always looking around the room, smiling and gurgling. As soon as she learnt to speak, she wasn’t afraid to ask questions, but the second she began to sing… her voice is beautiful. Megan always wanted to be in the entertainment industry, she auditioned for every school play, went to drama and singing classes. I was one proud dad. We’ve always had a brilliant relationship with just each other to rely on, but in the last eighteen months it became a struggle. It seemed like my little girl had just disappeared overnight. Her drinking escalated and has just become out of control. It saddens me to say it, but at the moment I just don’t recognise her at all; my kind caring daughter has just vanished.’

‘She’ll be back, I just know it,’ Ella reassured. ‘Megan is in the best place.’

Five minutes later Ella leant back in her chair with her hands clutching her stomach. ‘I’m bursting, full to the brim, but that steak pie was to die for.’

With two empty plates in front of them, Ella looked at her laptop and shut down the lid. ‘I declare we’ve done enough work today. Do you fancy watching a film or something? But saying that, I’ve only noticed one DVD around this place,’ she scrunched up her face, ‘and it’s probably not your thing.’

‘Try me.’

Ella chewed her lip for a second. ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary it is, then.’ She watched for Roman’s reaction. ‘Did you just roll your eyes?’ She swiped his arm playfully.

‘No, no… I promise I didn’t roll my eyes; I can’t think of a better film to watch.’ He grinned, exaggerating an eye roll.

‘You did so! Make yourself comfy, I’ll get us some drinks.’

When Ella brought the drinks in, Roman had plumped up the cushions and made himself comfy on the settee, and had propped his feet up on the coffee table, causing Ella to burst out laughing. His multicoloured monster socks caught her eye. ‘Very classy.’

‘I love my socks.’ He pretended to look hurt by her laughter. ‘Socks say a lot about someone’s personality.’

‘You don’t say,’ she teased, sitting on the chair next to him and resting her feet next to his.

They both looked down at Ella’s boring white trainer socks.