‘She’ll try me next,’ Josh said and seconds later his phone began to ring. He read my face, pressing the decline button on his screen. It wasn’t fair. I’d been avoiding speaking to Anna for days and she was worried. She knew something was wrong. I’d fired off the odd text, I’m okay. Sorry busy will call you soon. Low battery, but they were bullshit and she probably knew it.

The truth was that since I’d had the offer of a new job, I’d been avoiding her.

It wasn’t like I’d sought it out. The CEO of the agency stopped by my desk for a chat. We were discussing football over a coffee when he casually dropped into conversation that he was looking for a travel consultant.

‘You never did go off and see the world, did you, Adam?’

‘Nah but there’s still time.’

‘What if the time is now?’

He’d offered me the job there and then.

‘You’d be creating bespoke packages for corporate clients and the wealthy. It’s not too dissimilar to what you do now but on a larger, more expensive scale, but you have to know the resorts inside out. Some will want five-star luxury but others something a little more bespoke. I want you to set it up, scout out locations. Take as long as you need to source suitable accommodation, from high-class hotels to yurts off the beaten path.’ He paused and waited for my reaction.

‘I… I’m flattered you thought of me but—’

‘No buts. You’d be perfect. You’re an intelligent graduate who loves travel.’

I loved Anna too but I didn’t mention her.

‘This is a chance in a lifetime.’ He clapped my shoulder. ‘Think about it but don’t take too long.’

I had thought of nothing else. My dream was being handed to me with a great big fucking bow wrapped around it. What kind of fool would I be to turn it down?

I talked it over with Josh, his parents. I talked it over with everyone except the one person I should have been talking to – Anna – but now I was ready. I was ready to try something new and brave and daring.

I raised my hand to check my watch before remembering that I didn’t have it anymore. My wrist was bare.

‘It’s eleven,’ Josh told me.

‘I… I’d better get going.’

‘Are you sure you shouldn’t tell Anna that you’re coming?’

‘No.’ If I spoke to her she’d guess something was wrong and this wasn’t a conversation we could have over the phone.

‘You’re doing the right thing.’ Josh gave my shoulder one last clap.

As I drove up the motorway I wondered if she’d understand how much this meant to me.

I wondered if she’d love me still.

I wondered if she’d cry.

Chapter Eleven

Anna