Page 66 of Matched Up

I sent him a picture with my face screwed up and my tongue sticking out.

ME: I don’t.Here’s some evidence

SHANE: Well, I’m going to have to dispute that evidence, but that’s fine.See you later?

ME: Yep, see you soon x

SHANE: Can’t wait x

I spent ages getting ready.I wanted to look perfect for him.My favourite Man United shirt, that he’d say he’d hate, my favourite jeans, the ones that were tight in all the right places, and the new parka Mum had bought me for the winter.

‘Bye, Mum.Away to Thunderland,’ I called to her before I left.

‘Who are you going with?’she asked with a smile.

I grinned back.‘None of your business.’

‘Well, have a lovely time, and don’t be too late – the roads will get icy.’

‘OK, Mum.Bye!’

I parked outside Shane’s house and sent him a message.Part of me was hoping he’d invite me in, but he didn’t.

SHANE: I’ll be out in ten x

But even though I was disappointed that he didn’t ask me to come in, I couldn’t help but smile when he came out.Even his coat was sporty.A black Nike puffer one that looked so inviting that I couldn’t wait to get my hands inside it.

‘Hey,’ he said when he got in.

‘Hey,’ I replied and leaned over to kiss him.

He smiled.‘What was that for?’

‘I missed you.’

Then he kissed me again before we drove across town.

I parked about half a mile away from Thunderland.The Ferris wheel was glittering silver and green in the night.I followed the lights, not feeling the cold because of the warmth that rushed though me every time I stole a look at Shane.

We stood at the entrance, high on the smell of popcorn, fried onions, and the sound of music and exhilarated screams from high above.Before we went inside, I turned and slipped my hands under his coat and round his waist, looking up at him.

‘You have no idea how happy I am to see you.’

He kissed my nose, and I closed my eyes, trying to capture this exact moment so I could keep it forever.

‘Probably not as happy as I am to see you.’He smiled, but it was tinged with something else.Sadness maybe.

‘Everything OK?’I asked, hoping this was when he would open up about whatever it was that he was keeping from me.

‘Oh yeah, grand.Better now.Let’s go.’He grabbed my hand and I tried to ignore the momentary sinking in my stomach.Because the thing was, it never lasted long with him.Everything else was too good, too special.He made me forget all the bad stuff.

He held up my hand, laughing.‘Are you wearing mittens?’

‘What’s wrong with mittens?’I held them up in front of my face.‘I love a good mitten.’

‘They’re cute.’

‘OK, what are we going on first?’I put my hands on my hips and waited for his answer.

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