Thumbing past Ella’s unacknowledged messages, Faith wasn’t surprised to see April and Tara’s names appear, although she hadn’t expected quite so many occurrences. The texts from April were initially updates regarding her set-to with Bree, and Faith felt a swell of pride. April was coming into her own and despite the inevitable pain, she would be a stronger person because of it.

Over the last couple of days, however, April had fallen silent, and Tara had taken over as most persistent. Her earlier messages had been simple hellos, followed by questions that changed in nuance, confirming Faith’s suspicion that April had been telling tales. The last cluster of messages were more intriguing. Tara beseeched Faith to get in touch, each repetition more desperate than the last.

‘Have you had a text from Justine?’ Nick asked when he returned carrying a tray.

‘No. Have you?’ Faith replied, propping herself up in bed to take a cup from Nick.

Remaining on top of the duvet, Nick settled down next to Faith. She could feel the solid weight of him filling the cold empty space that had been her bedfellow for over four years now.

‘She wants to arrange a meeting,’ he said. ‘Says she needs to speak to me before the group meets next week.’

‘I suspect that’s why I’ve had so many messages from Tara,’ Faith said, glancing back at her phone. Her skin prickled. She didn’t like being caught in a pincer movement ‘Something’s going on.’

Faith had known there would be questions. She couldn’t be sure if Tara would approve, but there had been no doubt in Faith’s mind that Justine would take umbrage at another intergroup relationship. ‘See if Justine can meet you this afternoon.’

‘I thought we were going to sort all of this out,’ Nick replied, tipping his head at the scattered clothes and assortment of belongings they had transferred from Nick’s flat within hours of landing.

Like the holiday, it was another rash decision, but in Faith’s mind, it was also rational. Others might not see it that way. ‘We might as well get the inquisition out of the way first,’ she said.

‘You think it’ll be about our relationship?’

‘Oh, I’m certain of it.’

Nick was quiet for a moment. ‘Should we tell them we’re living together?’ he asked. ‘Your friends are going to be worried we’re moving too fast, and maybe we are. If you need a cooling off period …’