‘I’m going to watch some TV,’ he said, ‘I’m not tired.’

If he were late, he’d take the spare room again. Something that used to be the odd occurrence was quickly becoming the norm. As soon as she’d closed her bedroom door, she took out her phone and checked for messages. There was no reply to her text and she felt a slight easing of the tension that had squeezed her gut since she’d seen him on the doorstep. Maybe, he’d understood there was no point in pursuing anything.

There were messages from Remi and Freya. Bright, happy messages that made Molly’s heart smile despite the ridiculous situation she’d managed to get herself into. She sent cheery messages back, telling them, as she always did, that she loved them and was so proud of them.

As soon as she woke next morning, she checked her phone again, relief washing over her when there was nothing from him. Surely now, she could put that whole episode behind her.

It was certainly put to the back of her mind when Jack pushed open the door into the kitchen, forty minutes later. She was dressed and ready for work, a mug of coffee in her hand as she idly listened to an early morning news programme. She’d no idea what time he’d gone to bed. Late, she guessed, taking in his red-rimmed eyes and pasty skin. There was no point in saying anything, she knew by his set look that he wouldn’t appreciate any comment. And she wasn’t in the mood to start the day with a row.

She made a mental note to ring Petra later.

As it turned out, she didn’t have a chance, the day turning into one of those nightmares without a minute to herself. It was four thirty before she had a chance to ring and, annoyingly, it went straight to voicemail. She hung up without leaving a message.

In the station, anxious about going home in case he was there waiting, she hopped on a tube going the opposite direction, getting out at the next stop with the vague idea of visiting a bookshop someone had recommended. Following directions she’d been given, she found it easily enough, frowning when she took in its shabby, unexciting exterior. She was leaving without going inside, then decided she’d nothing to lose; anything was better than heading home.