‘I fed Noah two bottles; they’re washed out and back in the steriliser,’ Oliver said. ‘Oh, and several awful nappies, urgh – how do you deal with those – I gagged for England and even managed to get it on my shirt.’ He shot Louisa a glance before adding, ‘Hence the bare-chested look. Sorry – I didn’t want to disturb Lou’s beauty sleep by asking for one of yours, Brian.’ He smiled.

‘Oh, mate, no problem, I’ll get you one. I know just how lethal those nappies can be. I usually have to pull up my T-shirt to cover my nose!’

The two men almost fell about laughing.

Louisa felt a sense of unease watching the scene play out in front of her. Did Oliver have some kind of game plan? He seemed so intent on injecting himself into their lives.

‘You may as well stay for tea, Oliver. Eh, Louisa? You could stretch the food for one extra, couldn’t you?’

It was spiralling out of Louisa’s control, fast. It annoyed her that Brian was even entertaining Oliver being there, especially given the fact he was her ex-boyfriend. She would certainly never allow one of his exes into the house and wouldn’t dream of inviting her to the pub for a cosy drink.

What could she say, though? Thanks to her dismissive explanation about her and Oliver’s past relationship, Brian didn’t see an issue with him being around and would think her rude and ungrateful if she said no. And more to the point, he might question why she wasn’t keen to have him stay for tea. Like she was trying to hide something going on between them now. Louisa tried to keep her eyes averted from Oliver’s torso, but it was hard not to see; he was in her eyeline.

‘Well, I suppose I could see what’s in the fridge, but you still haven’t taken me shopping, Brian, so it’ll be slim pickings.’

‘Oh, please, don’t worry, Lou,’ Oliver interjected. ‘Why don’t I order a takeaway? It’s the least I can do to thank you for putting up with me.’

‘Great idea – that’s fine by me, can’t remember the last time we had takeout. Then we can hit the pub – what do you say?’ Brian’s face seemed to illuminate at Oliver’s suggestion.

‘Perfect. And I can have Noah while you go shopping tomorrow; it’s no problem.’

Louisa wanted it to stop. Wanted Oliver to quit the knight in shining armour routine.

‘No, it’s fine. Emily will look after him while we go,’ she said, firmly, giving no room for interpretation.

‘Okay, well if you change your mind.’ Oliver’s smile faded. Then his eyes narrowed as he looked to Brian. ‘It must be hard only having the one car to share.’