Finn’s eyes light up. “It was brilliant. Absolutely the best job I’ve ever had. It’s simply stunning down there, Trish. The mountains remind me of Scotland. I hope you can all come and visit someday.”

“I’d love to.”

Apart from a short work trip to Christchurch and a weekend with Pete in Queenstown, I’ve spent hardly any time exploring the South Island. Funny, really, considering how many times I’ve been overseas.

“Glad to be back, though,” says Finn, placing a hand on Emma’s shoulder and looking at her tenderly. “I kept worrying Emma would go into early labour. Speaking of which, how’s the pregnancy going, Trish?”

I’ve learnt that when people ask me this question – which they do endlessly – the correct answer is always, “Great, thanks.”

Finn nods as I give the obligatory reply. “I suspect that’s some semblance of the truth. I hear you have a long-lost niece, too?”

“I do. In fact, I’m going to the zoo with her tomorrow.”

“Fantastic,” Emma says.

She winces as Freddie squirms about on her lap. I imagine her baby is feeling a little cramped right now.

“OK, Freddie,” Finn says, noticing Emma’s face. “Let’s get going.”

Freddie leaps off his mum and eyes my leftover cake.

“I can finish it, if you want?” he says sweetly.

Laughing, I pull the plate closer to me. “Not a chance, dude.”

Emma laughs, too. “You can have a piece after dinner.”

We watch them leave and I tuck into the rest of my coffee and cake.

“Did you eat much for lunch?” Emma asks.

Ignoring her, I scrape the plate clean.

“Trish, I’m sorry I gave you a hard time about Pete.”

She shuffles forwards and I reluctantly meet her eye.

“It’s fine.”

I know Emma means well, but I feel a distance between us. Almost like I’m on one side of a thick pane of glass and she’s on the other. Even her voice has become more muffled. Oh no, this better not mean what I think it does.

Pushing back my chair, I scramble to my feet.

“Trish?” Emma stands and puts a hand on my arm. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Honestly, it’s just… I’m suddenly really tired. I think I need to go home, have a bath and lie down for a bit.”

Emma frowns. “All right.”

Gathering my things, I head for the door, waving a thank you at Mia and doing my best to look like I’m OK. Emma follows me outside.

“I’ll call you later,” she says, giving me a quick hug. “And if you feel like company at Christmas, the usual offer stands.”