‘We’re far from teenagers now. I should know better than to kiss a man who is engaged to someone else.’

Bonnie ignores the chime of a new email from her phone as she sees the waitress approach, notepad in hand. She’s paid no attention to the menu in front of her and is forced to make a quick decision on what to order for lunch.

After this, Bonnie regards her friend’s expression. ‘What is it?’

Paige gives a reluctant sigh. ‘I’m worried about you getting involved with him straight away.’

Bonnie knows she should give Ollie some time to get over his relationship with Sophie, but the truth is she doesn’t trust herself. If he comes to her this afternoon to say he’s ended things, she’ll be locking the studio, taking him out the back and ripping his clothes off.

Worry is etched across Paige’s face. ‘I don’t want you to get hurt.’

Bonnie reaches out and squeezes Paige’s hand. ‘Things with Sophie might get a bit nasty, but it’s Ollie.’ Her voice goes soft as soon as she says his name. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever stopped loving him.’

Her phone now beeps with a message. ‘That’ll be Carla,’ Bonnie says before she even checks it. ‘She messages me every day to see if I’ve heard from The One.’

Paige grins at this. ‘I can’t believe you auditioned for that.’

Bonnie covers her face with her hands. ‘Neither can I.’ She has nothing but guilt and desperation to blame.

Paige checks her watch.

‘What time is your appointment?’

‘Not till two p.m.’

Bonnie can see her friend is nervous. ‘It’ll happen this time.’ Of course Bonnie can’t guarantee that, but it’s been heartbreaking seeing Paige and Andy go through round after round of IVF.

Paige’s mouth turns upwards at this, her desire to be a mum so clear. ‘I know, but there’s so much riding on it this time.’ They’ve decided it will be their last attempt.

‘We have to stay positive.’ Bonnie leans across the table to squeeze her hand. She wishes she could offer more than hope.

Half an hour later, after two coffees and an oversized burger, Bonnie leaves lunch bloated and uncomfortable. She blames Oliver for the stress eating.

She is turning the corner on her way back to the studio when she spots Oliver and Sophie sitting outside at a cafe. Seeing them throws her for a second. Why are they together when Oliver was supposed to break things off last night? Tension immediately forms in her neck. But then, as she takes in the scene, she relaxes a little. Oliver’s back is to Bonnie and Sophie is looking down, her hands in her lap. Bonnie’s stomach churns. He must be breaking up with her now.