A soft voice and hand brushing my face wake me from a strange, disjointed dream. I turn on my side to find Alex lying next to me, his expression intent. "Hey," I say softly. "Hey. How are you doing?" Alex asks, and I can see the concern written across his features. "I'm okay. Tired. Sorry, I fell asleep. I was just waiting for you to finish up with your mum. What time is it?" "Six-thirty. I have booked us a table at Medlar for some dinner in an hour. Is that okay with you?" I nod my consent and struggle into a sitting position, my body still tense from all the anxiousness earlier. "Is everything okay between you and your mum?" I ask tentatively. "I am so sorry about blurting that out. Mouth engaged before brain and all that," I joke weakly. "It's fine, Liv. We talked some more. I am n

