Because it was safe, wasn’t it? The sex had been safe.

‘The condom broke, Tara,’ he said. ‘That third time. Remember that third time? When it was light? The condom split. These things happen.’

‘That’s not true. You’re just saying it. Why didn’t you tell me then?’

‘Because I didn’t want to worry you. I was trying to be a gentleman. But I’m telling you now. Tara, my darling?’

My father had taken the microphone and the crowd were laughing. I felt a physical yearning to be among them with a drink in my hand and my arm around Christian’s waist and with my mind free to be happy. I should not be hiding on a stairwell talking to a man I did not know about our unsafe sex.

‘James,’ I said. ‘I know I’m not pregnant because my period started this morning.’

He chuckled, pleased with himself.

‘I’m afraid there’s something else,’ he said. A beat of terrible silence. ‘And I’m sorry to have to tell you this, Tara.’ He did not sound sorry. He sounded as though he was loving it all. ‘You need to get tested for HSV-2.’

I could not speak.

‘Do you know what HSV-2 is, Tara?’

I was silent for a long moment, my mind racing.

‘Is it an STD?’ I said at last, the dunce at the back of the infidelity-for-beginners class.

‘Well, technically it’s an STI. A sexually transmitted infection as opposed to a sexually transmitted disease. HSV-2 is most contagious during an outbreak of sores but sadly it can also be transmitted when no symptoms are felt or visible. And I felt fine so I’m sure you’re fine – probably – and I don’t want you to worry, my darling – but do get tested at the earliest opportunity, will you? And for goodness’ sake don’t have unprotected sex with your husband!’ His sickening little laugh. ‘Or indeed anyone else.’ Silence on the line. ‘Wait – you haven’t had sex with him already, have you?’

I remembered sharing a bottle of Prosecco with Christian. I remembered our kisses. And I remembered the old familiar hungry way we had loved each other and the way Christian had held me until we slept and beyond, and how we had both felt it without saying any words – that we had recovered something we believed to be slipping away, or already lost.

‘Are you telling me the truth?’ I said.

He made a sound that was something like a cackle.

My head was spinning. ‘If you destroy my family, I’ll kill you,’ I said.

He chuckled at that.

‘If anyone destroys your family, Tara, it will be you.’

And all at once I saw that he was not new to any of this.

‘How many more of us are there?’ I said. ‘How many more women have you knocked off at business conferences with your wise advice on public speaking and your clever cures for jet lag? How many times have you charmed their pants off? How many times have you made this call, James?’