Darla gave her a look.

‘What? I’m just being realistic. People don’t write letters anymore,’ added Ros.

‘But they used to. When this was first made, I bet it was the must-have piece of furniture. Ladies in crinolines with fountain pens—’

‘Now there’s a disastrous combination for start,’ said Ros. ‘And you’ve watched too much Bridgerton. It’s probably a good thing there’s no telly.’

‘Don’t!’ said Darla, leaving the room and going through to the kitchen with Ros following her. ‘I thought I would embrace it but it’s a lot harder than you’d think. I thought I didn’t watch much TV but it turns out I was watching it every night. And if I had a good gig I was on all the extra channels: Sky, NOW TV, Netflix. You name it. I was halfway through a number of series and now nothing. Complete cold turkey. It’s been very hard. A lot like giving up smoking.’

‘You used to smoke?’ asked Ros.

‘No. Yuk, horrid habit. But I bet it’s very similar to giving up television.’

‘Hmm.’ Ros looked doubtful. ‘So that was the infamous Elliott.’

‘What did you think?’ asked Darla.

‘I think it’s nice to find someone who comes across as more standoffish and grumpier than me. He makes me look sociable.’

‘You’re not grumpy,’ protested Darla. Ros tipped her head on one side as if questioning her. ‘Okay, maybe a little bit, but you’re lovely underneath. I bet Elliott’s the same.’

‘Are you planning on investigating his underneath?’ asked Ros.

It was Darla’s turn to tilt her head.

‘Okay, that came out wrong but you know what I mean,’ said Ros. ‘Are you liking the look of him?’

‘Goodness, no! I am sworn off men thanks to The Wanker. And you’ve seen how Elliott is. If I can get him to the point of talking to me without frowning, I will consider that a great success.’

Darla made the drinks and they settled down at the kitchen table. ‘How are you feeling about the work do with Cameron?’

‘I’m still not sure that he should come,’ said Ros, lining her mug handle up with the corner of her coaster.

‘Why not? It’s got to be better than going on your own.’

‘You would not believe the inappropriate comments I’ve had this week because I said I was bringing a plus-one to the barbecue. They’re like children. Only worse,’ said Ros, gripping her mug unnecessarily hard.

‘I think it’s really nice that he’s coming with you.’

‘I wish I wasn’t going at all. Although I am interested to see the reactions when I turn up with Cameron. But I find it quite stressful when we’re at Dad’s together. Cameron is far more natural and relaxed. I tense up every time he comes near me.’

‘Are you usually like that with men or is it just Cameron?’ Darla blew on her tea to cool it down.

‘I think I’m out of practice and I’m not naturally a touchy-feely person.’ Ros shuddered as she spoke.

‘Really? I’d not noticed,’ said Darla with a grin. ‘My mum and dad are very cuddly people. We used to snuggle on the sofa together on a Saturday night and watch game shows. Sometimes we’d all be under the same blanket. I kind of miss that. I miss them. I wonder if perhaps saying I was going to be away for a whole year was too long. I could do with a week back home with them just to top up my snuggle meter.’

‘You’re weird,’ said Ros, with a dry smile.

‘I think we’re all perfect in our own way. We all like and loathe different things and that’s how it should be. But you are definitely missing out on cuddles and affection. A hug is the best thing if you’re having a bad day, and I am not ashamed to admit I have had some nice hugs from Cameron when I’ve been feeling a bit down. I can’t believe you don’t like his cuddles.’

‘I can’t help it,’ said Ros. ‘I’m not making an excuse but it might be because Mum wasn’t good at showing affection. Dad gave me plenty of cuddles growing up and we always greet each other with a hug, but I’m not like that with anyone else. I never have been. Perhaps I needed someone more like me to be in a pretend relationship with,’ mused Ros.

‘Yeah, because someone like you would have been well up for it,’ said Darla.

‘Your sarcasm levels are very high today,’ said Ros.

‘Sorry. Hurry up and drink your tea. I need to show you the animals.’

‘You don’t have to,’ said Ros, looking quite alarmed at the thought. ‘Anyway, moving that sofa is the number-one priority because it looks like there’s a more than average chance of rain.’

Chapter Sixteen

As arranged Cameron came to hers so that they could go to the barbecue together. Arriving separately would look weird. ‘Hiya,’ he said, giving her the now expected kiss on the cheek. ‘You look . . .’ He was scanning her up and down.

‘What? Out with it. Remember we’re not actually in a relationship so I’ll not be offended.’

He wobbled his head. ‘You look smart. But you look like you’re going to work.’

‘I am,’ said Ros.

‘No, you’re not. This is a social engagement with colleagues. That’s different.’

‘Only in that I’m not being paid. It will still feel the same. I’ll have to behave the same.’

‘Maybe, but I’m thinking casual would be better.’ He checked the clock. ‘We’ve got plenty of time if you want to change.’

‘Fine,’ said Ros and she went in search of something less formal, which was more of a challenge than expected. She came back into the main room and did a curtsey in a white fitted T-shirt and cropped jeans. ‘Will I do?’

He gave her a look that made her feel a little exposed. ‘Perfect,’ he said. ‘Now what do I need to know about your colleagues? Who are the good guys and who should I avoid?’

‘Avoid all of them but especially Alastair.’

‘Why?’

‘Because he’s my nemesis,’ she said, picking up a grey cardigan, just in case it turned chilly.

Cameron laughed. ‘What makes him your archenemy?’

‘He makes jokes all the time, and I’m the butt of them.’

‘People like that are trying to distract from their own flaws. Play him at his own game.’

‘How exactly?’ Ros picked up her bag and keys and headed for the door.

‘You need to flip things around. Make him the joke. He’ll hate it.’ She wasn’t sure if she could do it, but she did like the idea.

As Ros had anticipated there were a number of people who did a double take with surprise at her not being alone. What she hadn’t anticipated was the level of intrigue and questioning it generated. When Cameron went to get them drinks, people who avoided her in the lunch room or, when she thought about it, avoided her pretty much all the time were now queuing up to chat to her.