Zoe doesn’t even know the half of it yet. The last the public has seen is Ty’s interview on Good Morning, and that isn’t even the tip of the iceberg. ‘Any publicity is good publicity, right?’ Darcy doesn’t believe that but there’s no way she wants Zoe to feel vindicated in her comment.

Zoe forces a laugh that is laced with judgement. ‘That’s what they say.’

Darcy looks to Ed. His eyes are carefully watching her, trying to gauge her response. He’s possibly wondering if she’s going to make a scene. All her feelings towards him that were ready to come tumbling out are now stuck, the great wall that is Zoe Eggins firmly preventing any from bursting through.

‘Ed said you broke up with Drew.’ Zoe moves forward, closing in the space between her and Ed. ‘Sorry to hear.’

Darcy wants to scoff in her face, but instead she simply says, ‘Thanks.’

‘We better get going, Ed.’ Zoe touches him on the shoulder, her eyes meeting Darcy’s as though declaring ownership over Ed. An ownership Darcy used to have as his best friend but somehow lost.

Ed glances at his phone, checking the time. ‘Yeah, don’t want to be late.’

Darcy has no choice but to back up and step into the hall.

‘I’ll give you a call tomorrow?’ His eyes urge her not to make a scene but she can see a hint of worry too, as though he’s still trying to figure out if she’s okay.

Darcy nods, not trusting her voice.

‘Don’t expect a call too early—I think it’s going to be a late night.’ Zoe’s words float like poison through the air, trying to sweep Ed under her spell.

‘Good luck surviving it without alcohol,’ Darcy murmurs to Ed, feeling as though she has well and truly lost her best friend.

‘You’re not drinking?’ Zoe’s head snaps to Ed.

‘He’s banned himself for the month.’ Darcy’s happy to relay such news. ‘Still have a while to go, don’t you?’ Her eyes settle on Ed, her voice light, pretending she doesn’t know for a fact that he’s still got a long way to go.

‘Yeah, still a while.’ But there’s a look to indicate that he’s perhaps reconsidering his self-inflicted ban.

‘Oh well, you don’t need alcohol to have fun, do you?’ But it’s helpful if you’re hoping for inhibitions to come down and Darcy doesn’t doubt for a second that Zoe wants Ed relaxed enough to fall into bed with her at the end of the night. ‘I’m really proud of you, Ed,’ Darcy continues. ‘It’s so good that you’re sticking to it.’

He nods but doesn’t say anything, his face dripping with self-doubt.