"Why?" I asked.

"Because he had a huge hard-on when he was talking about you just now." Then she screamed with laughter. "I really got you going there, didn't I?"

"Oh, go away, would you?" I said.

I'd had enough for one day.

"Sorry," sniggered Helen. "No, I am, I promise. I do think he loves you. I really do. And let's face it, if anyone's an expert on men being in love, it's me."

She had a point.

"Do you love him?" she demanded.

"I don't know," I said awkwardly. "I don't really know him well enough to say. But I like him a lot. Will that do?"

"It'll have to," she said thoughtfully. "I hope you do love each other. I hope you'll be happy together."

"Gosh, thank you, Helen," I said, really touched. Tears sprang to my eyes. I was overwhelmed by her good wishes.

"Yes," she said vaguely. "I've a bet on with that cow Melissa Saint that she won't get a date with him before the end of the summer. I was actually starting to get a bit worried but this is great. A godsend. She hasn't a hope now because you'll keep him well out of her way.

"That's the easiest bet I ever won," she said, rubbing her hands together gleefully. "Yes," she continued, sounding very pleased. "I must say this has all worked out very well. Very well indeed."