Sleep no more...

I went to bed early and woke up at 2am with sudden absolute clarity about the situation - she is in love with him, I need to entirely kill any idea of anything between us, the flirting was just idle flirting. It all fits the observable facts, even down to her being cagey about the theatre trip after our last lunch outing, during which I made sure to touch her hand very gently with mine about three times at key points as recommended by the seduction guides. She wants to disengage, and I should too.

Perhaps the only sensible thing is to get her to be open about everything. I could just ask her straight out what she knows about the arrest as a way in. If there's no room whatsoever for doubt or fantasy it might save a lot of bother in the long run - even though I'm clear at the moment, the mind will start playing tricks again later. Or perhaps I should just withdraw the theatre invite and be formal and polite only from now on.