‘It was Facebook, not a dating site – although that’s the way a lot of people meet and fall in love these days anyway, Mum. Amber’s not stupid, she’d have been careful; wouldn’t have let it get this far if she wasn’t sure about him.’

‘Facebook is on the internet – so, same difference in my eyes. People do strange things when they think they’re in love, Nick. Act out of character, rush into things. Ignore warning signs, brushing away niggles and papering over the person’s bad characteristics thinking they can “change them”. This Richard could be a paedophile for all we know.’

‘Seriously, you don’t think I’ve had a colleague check him out? Come on, Mum.’

‘Hmm … well. If he hasn’t been caught doing anything untoward, then his name won’t have flagged up any alarm bells, now would it?’

‘I trust Amber’s judgement. And I’m sure they’ll all be very happy. That’s good enough for me.’

I stare out of the window.

It isn’t good enough for me, though.

Chapter Eight

Amber

‘You kept that quiet!’ Jo leans against the doorframe, waving a piece of paper in her hand.

‘What’s that?’ I say.

She steps inside the hallway and unfolds the paper, holding it up in front of my face.

OPEN HOUSE is printed on the top with a photo of my house underneath.

‘Ahh, no. I forgot.’ I usher Jo into the lounge. ‘The boys’ abduction took precedence,’ I say jokingly – which is easier to do now the situation has blown over. Carl certainly didn’t hang around, making up leaflets and distributing them so quickly. I’d only agreed to it on Friday morning.

‘I hope it works. As much as I will hate for you not to be around the corner from me – and hate even more that you’re moving to where we came from – I can’t wait to know you’re happily getting on with your life post-Nick.’

‘Thank you, Jo. I hope that too. Ironic, isn’t it? We’ll have literally swapped locations!’

‘I certainly didn’t see that coming,’ Jo says, giving a shrug. ‘Perhaps we’ll move back, too – follow you around the country.’ Her expression is solemn. I feel bad leaving my friend behind.

‘Maybe one day, eh?’

‘We’ll have to make sure we visit loads,’ she says, brightening. ‘And as I say, I am happy for you. Really. Still, I’m surprised you agreed to this, even if you are desperate.’

‘Well, if I’m honest, I wasn’t keen on the idea and I categorically told Carl I wouldn’t be here while it went on – I couldn’t bear it. But if I get some interest, it’ll be worth it. If you ask me, it’s been ridiculously slow so far.’