“What do you mean, you’re going with Sophie? She’s a girl!” demanded Ben, suspiciously.

Liam couldn’t help it. He dropped his jaw and widened his eyes in a parody of surprise.

“No! Is she?”

Ben wasn’t smiling.

“We’ll only be travelling together not sleeping together!” Liam hastened to add, then gave a short laugh. “Actually, we will be sleeping together, just not having sex. And anyway, it’s twin share, not a double,” he added quickly as Ben glared at him.

“I still think you should cancel the whole thing. We can go together in a couple of months, or maybe three.”

“Or maybe four or five or six!” continued Liam rather rudely. “I’ve already explained, I can’t change the tickets even if I wanted to. Besides I really want to go. Sophie and I will have a great time, we’ll look out for each other.”

He looked down for a moment, trying to find the right words to express his recent qualms. “Perhaps it’ll give us some time to think about our relationship, decide if we’re really suited.” He was seeking reassurance, wanting a passionate declaration from Ben that of course they were suited.

Instead, Ben stared at him in angry disbelief. “You’re saying you want to break up with me? Over a stupid holiday?” He realised he’d made a mistake as soon as the words left his mouth but it was too late to take them back. Liam looked at him sadly.

“See that’s exactly what I’m saying. I don’t think we want the same things. To you it’s a stupid holiday, to me it’s a wonderful adventure. A chance to spend time together.”

“You’re not being reasonable. I can’t give up my job on a whim just to please you! Can I?” he demanded.

“No of course not,” Liam agreed quietly. He had obviously made a major mistake, thinking that the holiday meant the same thing to Ben as it did to him.

“I guess this is it then. I’ll see you when I get back.”

“Maybe. Maybe not.” Ben threw over his shoulder as he stormed off.