‘Unfortunately, yes. And now, I don’t know quite what to do about it.’ Life was complicated enough already, and I’d gone and made it a whole heap more challenging.

‘I can’t see the problem. Come on, admit it, you really like him. You two have been doing the ol’ pull-ponytails-and-poke-out-tongues ritual for ages. And you have to admit, he is hot.’

‘Yes, but…’ That wasn’t the problem.

‘What’s the matter, then? Was he lousy in bed?’

My face broke into a sheepish grin, despite myself. ‘Ah, no, hell no.’ I even blushed. ‘No problems in that department.’

‘Okay, so he’s fun, he’s hot, got a great bod and rocked in bed. What’s not to like? Don’t you think your standards might be getting a little high if you’re prepared to throw this one back into the ocean?’

‘You’ve heard of buyer’s remorse? I have bonker’s remorse.’ I did a slow-motion face-palm. ‘What was I thinking? For heaven’s sake, I have to work with the guy. That’s always going to end in tears. Things will get awkward and messy, people will talk.’

‘Sam, in case you didn’t realise it, he lives in another town. It’s not like you’re going to be tripping over him every day. In fact, it’s perfect, really. Work hard during the week, catch up and shag each other silly on the weekends. You don’t even have to commit yourself. Anyway, since when did you worry about what people say?’ she asked, between flossing her teeth.

‘Woah, let’s not talk commitment. It was only one spur-of-the-moment, unexpected shag. In fact, knowing Paul, now that he’s conquered me, so to speak, he’ll lose all interest and move on to the next challenge.’

‘Ouch, that’s a bit harsh. Not much faith there. He might surprise you.’

‘Trust me, I’ve been dealing with him for years, I know his type. He hunts for the thrill of the chase. Now he can tick me off his list. I bet he doesn’t even call.’

‘Bet you he does. In fact, I bet you coffee and a Modak’s cinnamon pinwheel you see him today.’ That was high stakes.

‘You’re on. You better get your money ready though; you’re destined to lose.’

I checked my watch. ‘I suppose I’d better get my act together and go face the music at the hospital.’

‘You never did explain why your mum was so frosty with you at breakfast. How did she know about Paul?’

I raised my eyebrows and added a wee eye-roll.

‘What? Was she waiting up for you like you were some sixteen-year-old out on a date, or something?’

I gave a slow nod. ‘Or something.’

Maggie’s face gaped. ‘You’re kidding me. She really was waiting up for you?’