CAUGHT OUT

Peering in the mirror, I looked for any signs that I was ageing.

‘I can’t believe I’m 30,’ I laughed to my daughter Ella, then 12.

‘You don’t look it, Mum!’ she smiled back at me. ‘Everyone says so.’

Shortly after my celebratory night out, I got a Facebook message from someone called Luke Patrice, now 32.

I didn’t know Luke very well, but I’d seen him a few times before in the pub

He was confident and always the centre of attention – with everyone laughing at his jokes and wanting to be around him.

Do you fancy going on a date with me? he asked.

I did find him charming and attractive, so I agreed to meet him for a drink.

The following evening, he met me at the pub.

‘I’ve always liked you,’ he confessed, taking my hand. ‘I want to be with you.’

I found it quite full-on, especially as