THE RELIEF AT LEAVING IGNATIUS behind, and the sane answer provided by Kassie, felt fantastic. I rolled my eyes when Kassie shot me a conniving look and elbowed me in the ribs.

'You just love a guy in uniform.'

'Shut-up,' I hissed, flushing while she took obvious delight in my discomfort. 'You said it wasn't my fault.'

'Doesn't stop it being funny.'

'So, Cat. How you doing?' Sian gave me her best cheesy smile and Kassie doubled in laughter, hands pressed ...