He thought of Kelsey and all his mates. He could be with them now, in one of his favourite bars or clubs, or curled up on the sofa in his apartment watching Netflix. Curled up against Kelz as she searched social media for mentions of her name.

‘You’re a lovely girl and everything, Rhiannon, but there’s someone who wouldn’t be happy.’ He removed his hand from her hot grasp. ‘And I love her.’

‘She don’t love you, Abs.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘It’s all just for show.’

Her statement surprised him. ‘Of course she does. We’re soulmates.’

‘If you say so.’ Abs didn’t like the way her eyes were fastened on his. She tugged at her bottom lip with her teeth. ‘But what she don’t know, don’t hurt her, right?’

‘That’s very deep coming from someone of your age.’

‘Oh, I am, Abs.’ Rhiannon stared at him with an intense look of longing and he felt his resolve weakening. ‘Why don’t you find out how deep?’

He was so drunk that she seemed to split in two in front of him, her image separating into the distance, and he knew he badly needed to get some zeds.

‘Not tonight,’ he told her quietly.

She tutted. ‘Shame.’

‘Help me up, you bastards,’ cried Deano. He was still rolling around on the ground.

It gave Abs the excuse he needed, and he went over to Deano and pulled him to his feet. They both stumbled about a bit, trying to get their balance.

‘Guys.’ Abs held up his hands. ‘I’m going to say goodnight because I really need to get my head down.’

Deano winked at the girl. ‘Yeah, you get yourself off, petal, we’ll be alright, won’t we, love?’ He waved the bottle and Rhiannon, sensing that Abs had made up his mind, grabbed it and took a swig.

‘Too right,’ she said with annoyance, and went to Abs. ‘What about a bedtime kiss, then?’

He craned his cheek forward. ‘Just there’ll be fine.’

She made a face. ‘What am I meant to do with that?’

‘It’s the best you’re going to get, doll,’ he said, and twisted his mouth away.

Rhiannon sighed and planted a big, sarcastic kiss on his cheek. ‘But you better give me a selfie tomorrow morning, Mister Big Sexy Celebrity.’

‘It’s a deal,’ said Abs, relieved, and nodded at Deano. ‘Take care of her.’

Deano winked. He was so pissed his facial expressions were changing every moment. ‘Abs, mate,’ he said with a leer.

‘I mean it,’ Abs told him. ‘Look after her, and don’t let her wander off on her own, yeah? We’re in the middle of nowhere.’