‘No! With the string of men she keeps dumping. As though she thinks she’s too good for everyone. She’s got a bit of attitude, hasn’t she?’

‘Listen, Reggie is … complicated.’

I felt the sudden need to defend my friend. I, for one, knew the impact an unsettled childhood could have on someone, and Reggie’s had been particularly troubled. An abusive father and largely absent mother had taken its toll on both her and her younger brother, Luc, who had unfortunately fallen in with the wrong crowd and now had a criminal record. Her experiences in foster care were eye-watering. She kept her acquaintances at arm’s length, and it had taken me some time to fully gain her confidence and find out the extent of her deep-rooted issues.

‘Let people get too close and they’ll always shit on you eventually,’ she had told me one night after a few drinks. ‘I’ve had more than my fair share of it and I don’t give anyone that opportunity any more. It’s dog eat dog out there, Stina. Look after number one – that’s my motto.’

I recalled one particularly harrowing incident she had told me about involving a foster father and shuddered.

‘She’s had a tough start in life. I think she finds it hard to trust people – and to commit. Hopefully she’ll find someone to settle down with eventually. But she’s a loyal friend and a good person.’

‘I’m sure she is. You’re clearly a good friend, too.’

‘I don’t like the idea of anyone getting her wrong, that’s all. Anyway, I thought most people found her pretty irresistible …’

‘Pretty, maybe. Irresistible? Definitely not. Whereas you, on the other hand …’

He reached across the table and clasped my hand, looking deep into my eyes.

‘I knew I’d found a gem the first time I set eyes on you. Must have been the way you tapped your cigarette ash into that plant pot.’ The hint of a smile played on his lips.

‘What are you implying – that I’m some sort of slob?’ I was only half joking. He couldn’t possibly know – he hadn’t seen my bedroom … yet. I reflected on my housekeeping skills and cringed inwardly.

His expression became earnest. ‘Sorry – I try to be funny and it comes out all wrong. It’s a nervous thing. You couldn’t be less of a slob if you tried. You’re beautiful.’ His cheeks coloured slightly. I was a little taken aback but found it endearing.