‘So did they sell the hotel?’

‘No, Dad still runs it. He’s changed its name to The Honeymoon. I think it’s aimed at the swingers market, or maybe indoor dogging.’

‘There you go, funny Emily. So you didn’t go to university or anything?’

‘No, I’ve been here since leaving sixth form. I’m assistant manager now and very well respected for what I do. What are you up to?’

‘I’m at university in Bournemouth doing Film Studies.’

‘So, what, you watch films all day and then talk about them?’

‘Sometimes they are so good we don’t even talk about them.’

‘Like out of reverence or something?’

‘Yeah, something like that, and the fact that we’ve got better things to do.’

‘Sounds like a waste of time.’

‘Yeah, well, most things are, but it’s pleasant enough when you’re with good people. Are you with good people, Emily?’ he asked.

‘Things are pleasant enough, as you would say, thanks for asking. Hey, have you had your name on the front of a newspaper yet?’

‘Yes I have.’

‘Well, go on then, what for?’

‘I bummed an otter at a holiday camp.’

I laughed and we talked some more until I was beckoned over by Tommy. He didn’t like me talking to other guys and gave me the cold shoulder before telling me it was time I went home. Pete must have seen me leave because about fifty yards up the road I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see him waving and smiling as he caught up with me.

‘So, do you think you’ll actually ever make a movie?’ I asked as we walked side by side.

‘No, that’s not what I’m about. I just want to believe that I might make a movie one day. That’s enough to keep me ticking over. Can I walk you home?’

We went back to my bedsit together and listened to some music and chatted about the good old days. I wasn’t surprised when he told me that Claire Haslett had given birth to twin daughters, but was surprised to find out that the father was our old music teacher Mr Andrews. I always thought he was gay. As we lay on the bed chatting, there was suddenly a loud banging on the door.

‘YOU IN THERE, EMILY? ANSWER THE FUCKING DOOR.’

Fuck. It was Tommy and he didn’t sound happy. Pete jumped off the bed and stood by the window.

‘Shit the fuck up, who is it?’

‘It’s okay, Pete, it’s just my boss from work. Calm down,’ I reassured him as I answered the door and let Tommy in. He wasn’t doing the loud speak anymore, which was not a good sign. He walked over to Pete and stood in front of him with his face only six inches away from Pete’s.

‘Who the fuck are you?’