It’s OK, she quickly typed. I’d love to meet you one day. I just want to see how things go in the New Forest first. With any luck, Dad will see right through her and get back with Mum. That’s the plan, anyway!

She nodded as she reread the words. It was a solid plan. Naomi would only put up with her games for so long.

And when you’re eighteen, you’ll be able to get a hold of some of the money your dad has been holding back from you, Taz replied.

Morgan cupped her chin in her hand as she reread the line of text. She had mentioned the trust fund in conversation a couple of weeks ago.

Just make sure that Naomi doesn’t spend it all first, Taz added, when she failed to reply.

I don’t like talking about money, Morgan responded, leaning back against the headboard again. It makes me uncomfortable.

One thing her dad had taught her was to make her feelings clear if someone was getting under her skin. With the whole Naomi situation, Morgan was in it for the long game. She had devised a battle plan. But she was still getting to know Taz, and they needed some ground rules.

Sorry mate, just looking out for you. Someone has to. And I’ve had some ciders, lol. I say too much when I’m drunk.

Let’s drop the subject, she continued. I promise not to be such a moany bitch in future.

She stiffened as she heard her dad’s key card opening the lock of the hotel room door. A thought occurred. Taz was drinking cider. Did that mean he was over eighteen? She slid beneath her covers. It was time she was asleep.

Got to go, the olds are back, Taz typed.

Mine too, Morgan quickly replied, waiting for her dad’s knock against her bedroom door. We OK? she typed. She didn’t want to end on a bad note.

Sure we are. But it’s takeaway night and pizza calls. Night, sweet thing x

Morgan stifled a yawn as her eyelids grew heavy. She might dress like a Goth, but she was an early bird. Soon she wouldn’t be able to stay awake.

I can’t compete with a cheesy feast. Laters, she typed, adding a kiss before pressing send.

Slipping off her glasses, she rested them on her bedside cabinet and switched off her bedside light.

‘It’s only me,’ her father called. ‘Are you OK?’

There was a soft knock on her room door. Morgan shut down her MacBook and slipped it between the covers before lying down. The door opened with a click.

‘I was . . . until you woke me,’ she murmured sleepily. She didn’t want a long conversation with her dad tonight.

‘Sorry, just checking in.’ He paused as a thought seemed to enter his mind. ‘Naomi sends her love.’