How are you doing?” he asks and I grimace. “Okay, okay,” he’s talking quickly now. “The boys and I had a discussion and then we voted, and as a majority we think that you should look at this.”“What is it?” I ask cautiously, looking at the iPad he’s proffering. “It’s not porn again is it, because I told Bram that it doesn’t help with all of life’s problems, but he won’t fucking listen.

I’m knackered now,” he admits. “I think you’re actually going to have to help me to the room.”I laugh. “Really, granddad? You rock stars should come with some sort of disclaimer, warning us that reality doesn’t always live up to the pretty package.

Open this fucking door now Nell.”“Go away,” I shout furiously.“If you don’t open it I’m going to break the fucker down.”I’m horrified. “You wouldn’t do that. This is a really nice hotel.”“Nell, I’m a fucking rock star sweetheart. They’ll consider themselves lucky if there’s still a functioning TV in here when I leave. Now are you going to open this door?

Oh good, you’re ready.”“No, I’ve only just got out of the bath. What should I put on?”“Put on?” he says in obvious mystification.“Well I’ve only got a towel on.” When he still doesn’t get it I sigh. God, he’s so dense sometimes. “Charlie, I haven’t got any knickers on,” I mutter.His eyes seem to darken and then he starts laughing. “Mabel, I’m shocked. What sort of massages have you been having? I’m not massaging down there however much you expect it. I’m not that type of boy!

It’s okay babe,” I say softly, and he immediately relaxes and hugs me tight in a crushing hold. “Thank god,” he mutters. “I couldn’t bear it if we destroyed us Mabes. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”I make myself move back slightly. “I’m sure you’d manage,” I try to say lightly, and he grimaces. “I wouldn’t,” he says thickly. “You’re everything to me.

You groped my bum!” “It was an accident.”“It was not. You haven’t done anything accidental with that hand since you were twelve.”“Fifteen, Mabes. You make me sound like some kind of infant sex prodigy.

Are they topaz?” I ask, and he smiles slightly shyly, sitting up to face me. “Yes, they reminded me of the colour of your dress the night I made you mine.”“I’ve always been yours,” I whisper, and for a second I see the glint of tears in his eyes as he slowly pushes the ring onto my finger.

Bullshit,” says Viv. “Did you have your eyes open the other night in the pub? Mabe, I’ve never, ever seen him so happy and the way he was looking at you made even me melt. He’s in love with you.” “No, he isn’t.”“Yes, he is. It’s just unfortunate that he’s a fuckwit as well.

I don’t see anyone else Nell. All I see, all I want, is you.

I love you so much, so much,” he mutters. “It’s always been you. It always will be.