‘Fine … Get Joanne to cover you. ’ He dismisses everything in his previous tone, with disinterest now that he has the answer, and it makes me want to choke him all the more. Manipulating shithead.

‘That was the plan before you decided to be an arse about it,’ I snap childishly, and he sighs at me. All his lousy mood takes a turn, and he puts on a rational expression.

‘I understand the birthday thing … it’s just another day. Wish Gino would catch on to that and ...