Katelina leaned against the door and listened to the TV. Tinned laughter sounded; an old sitcom, maybe? For hating television, Jorick watched the strangest things.

She straightened her spine and met her eyes in the mirror. She was being silly. If you lack confidence, fake it. Waltz in as though you own the place. Chances were, Jorick would never notice, anyway.

She opened the door and padded inside, chin lifted as she repeated her mantra. Jorick lay stretched out on the ...