“Well, I’d better dash. Just wanted to check you were OK,” I say quickly. “Bye, Lils.”

Once I hang up, I finish my tea and examine the garden. The border of pansies is looking straggly. It’s time they came out. I’ll have a quick shower then head to the garden centre to see what looks good.

My phone pings. It’s a text message from a private number:

I had a great night, Trish. Thanks. It was so good to see you. Any chance I can stop by after lunch? Tilly would really love to meet you. Will

While I try to figure out what my answering text will be, another comes through. It’s from a number I know well:

Sorry I reacted so badly to your news. It came as a shock. Please can we meet this afternoon to discuss? I want to make it work x Pete

Oh, God, what do I do now? My head is spinning with yes, no, maybe replies and since I can’t make up my mind, I decide to have a shower.

Unfortunately, when I get out of the shower and check my phone, I have a message from Emma:

Been thinking about last night. Please can we have a chat? Come for cake this avo x Em

And a message from Mags:

I meant it about moving in when baby is born. Can find someone to take care of cats. Maybe you could talk to a psychologist about your parents. Just want to help x M

There’s also one missed call and a message from another number I don’t recognize.

“What the hell!” I say out loud as I hit the button and listen.

“Trish, it’s Scott. From Tokyo. You very kindly came to my friend’s wedding with me. Anyway, please don’t think I’m stalking you, but I remembered the name of the company you work for and got your number from your boss – she’s a dragon, by the way. I told her we’d met in Tokyo and I was interested in you doing some work for me. Small white lie.

“So, I was hoping… this is going to sound strange,” says Scott, “But I wondered if there was any chance I could take you out for dumplings some time. Proper Japanese ones. There’s this great place I know of and I really want to thank you properly for what you did and… well, also apologize in person for getting drunk and coming on to you – it was poor form. So, this catch-up would be as friends, obviously, but… well, I’d love to see you again.” There’s a long pause and I listen to Scott breathing. “Think about it, Trish. I’ll… I’ll leave it with you to decide. This is my number. You can work that out, of course. Anyway, I’ll stop blabbering. Bye.”