When it came down to it, three people in one bed was a little bit awkward. There were so many hands (fingers kept getting wedged between bed and bone when someone rolled over) and so many balls and not really enough breasts and a confusing number of mouths and knees.

On the other hand, it was maybe the best thing that had ever happened to any of them, so that worked out. The orange light from the sodium lamp outside washed everyone's skin with gold and the room smelt of sex, musky and rich, and whatever cinnamony perfume Caroline had on.

"You are the most precious things I've got," said Mac.

"Save it for daylight, wanker," Guy said, "you can tell us how wonderful we are when we're not having sex," and he and Caroline shut Mac up with lips and clever fingers.