‘You really should do this kind of thing more. It’s been fascinating watching you all this week,’ Scott says. ‘I’m usually the one rallying people together and lifting them up, but the friendship you share really is something.’

‘Thank you,’ I say, beaming at my mates.

‘Have you all had fun?’ he asks, his elbow touching my arm, causing it to tingle.

‘Fun is an interesting word to use,’ I laugh.

‘What do you mean?’ he smiles.

‘It’s been amazing,’ says Zaza. ‘Although you must be so used to this.’

‘What?’ he asks.

‘Patting us all on the back and telling us we’re brilliant for doing what we’ve done even though you’ve seen hundreds of people doing it before us and are probably doing it with another team in a few days,’ she says, matter-of-factly.

‘Don’t ruin the magic,’ says Mike, nudging into her.

‘Look, you’re right. This is my job, but every so often a team comes along that I find myself really caring about – and this time that’s you,’ Scott says, looking earnestly between us. ‘You’ve made my job easy this week. I took a step back and let you get on with it. It’s really been something watching you guys be there for each other.’

‘You care about us?’ teases Zaza.

‘Just a little bit,’ he says, holding his finger and thumb an inch apart.

‘So how close exactly do you get to your trekkers?’ I ask, wanting to probe him more now he’s opening up.

He looks at me and an expression I can’t read flickers across his face.

‘We don’t want to know about your pen pals! I bet there’s juicy stuff!’ Zaza states, pouring herself a glass of wine before leaning in, ready for some tantalizing gossip.

Scott smiles at her.

‘Must get lonely …’ she prods.

‘Ladies,’ laughs Mike.

‘It’s her now, not me,’ I reply, raising my hands in protest.

‘Not really,’ Scott replies after some consideration, deciding to answer rather than to shut down the conversation. ‘I meet people. That’s my job.’

‘Of course,’ Zaza nods seriously. ‘But has there been any extra-curricular fun?’

‘Straight to the point,’ I laugh, aware of my insides churning.

‘I meet a lot of people,’ he repeats, moving in his seat and causing another brush of our skin, another tummy flip.

‘Sure, sure,’ she replies. ‘I bet you bond with people quickly.’

‘Not always …’ he admits, making me think back to our encounter on the first day and how much of a tit I felt. ‘I occasionally might add someone on Facebook, but it gets too much. I’m here to get people through the trek, not become a lifelong mate.’

‘Cold!’ Zaza frowns.