I checked the screen: a text from Jason. I didn’t open it, but when I looked up, I saw that Giles was watching me and frowning slightly. ‘It’s nothing,’ I said breezily.

He nodded acceptingly and sipped his chocolate.

‘It’s from Jason,’ I clarified. ‘I texted him, asking if we could meet up. I think we need to have another conversation before I decide what to do next.’

‘You must forgive me for wringing all that out of you,’ said Giles drily.

I smiled and opened Jason’s text.

All good. Tomorrow better than Sunday. Morning/pm coffee?

‘He’s suggesting coffee, tomorrow,’ I murmured. ‘I wonder where we should meet.’

‘Why not here?’

‘Here?’ I looked up, surprised by the suggestion.

Giles raised his eyebrows questioningly. ‘Well, why not? It’s your home and it would be preferable to discuss personal matters in private, rather than in a coffee shop, would it not?’

‘And you wouldn’t mind?’

He shook his head. ‘I shan’t make a point of seeing him, but if our paths do cross, I should be as civil towards him as his behaviour towards you currently merits. And, from what you say, he is at least attempting humanity.’ He leaned forward and picked up his Kindle from the edge of the pouffe. ‘I’ll let you reply.’

‘OK,’ I said, tapping the screen. The message confirming an afternoon coffee in Henleaze took only a matter of moments to type and send.

My reply to Ruby, however, despite being approximately the same length as that to Jason, took considerably longer to compose. Determined to remain true to myself, I didn’t want to imply a closeness which I no longer felt and, for the sake of my own ego and self-respect, I wanted to make clear that my career wasn’t in the toilet and that I wasn’t totally friendless. But at the same time, I was anxious not to sound so changed as to provoke any questions from her – texted or otherwise – before I had spoken to Jason. It was therefore several minutes before I had produced a text with which I was, if not exactly happy, then at least satisfied.

Sorry for slow reply – hectic week at work. With friend atm, so will be quick. Cameron isn’t causing me any problems – so don’t worry. Work is full on, but good. Relax and enjoy your evening!

I took a deep breath and sent the text.

‘All done?’ asked Giles, looking up as I laid my phone down on the arm of the sofa.

‘All done.’

He returned his attention to his Kindle, a slight frown of concentration forming on his brow.