Not only were her friends laden with food, but they’d also brought cards – oh God – and gifts, which Chloe put on the sideboard, laughing off hints to open them immediately. She needed more than one glass of wine before she faced that moment. Come to think of it, when was the right moment?

The balloon danced in the gentle breeze from the French windows, taunting her. Chloe felt like stabbing it with a fork …

Soon the Crow’s Nest was filled with laughter, the pop of corks, chink of glasses and continual ‘sorrys’ and ‘whoops’ as everyone started to unload their food on the table, put it in the fridge or give instructions as to how it had to be heated up or served. The expression ‘too many cooks’ had never been more appropriate so Chloe put Troy in charge of serving drinks just to keep him out of the way. Ben was on his motorbike so he was on soft drinks.

Gabe was last to arrive. When he walked into the room with a large plastic tub of food, Chloe spotted Zennor exchange a look with Sam. Sam greeted Gabe pleasantly enough but Zennor didn’t join in with the chorus of hellos, but Gabe probably hadn’t noticed because everyone else was making so much noise.

Troy steepled his hands together. ‘Oh, here’s the professional. This had better be good – or is it cod and chips?’

Everyone laughed and Gabe rolled his eyes good humouredly. ‘I’ve kept it simple and brought mezze so hopefully everyone can find something they like.’ He opened the coolbag and brought out some plastic tubs. Homemade hummus and tsatziki. ‘The taramasalata was made to my grandma’s own recipe. It’s just roe, onion, bread and parsley. None of that pink gloop.’ Gabe grinned. ‘There are some giant beans from my mum and olives too. Ben – the hummus, beans and olives are vegan-friendly, as you probably know.’

Ben smiled. ‘I love giant beans. So does Zen, don’t you?’

Zennor shrugged. ‘They’re OK.’

Troy pulled a face. ‘They make me windy too.’

Evie poked him with her stick. ‘Troy! Don’t put people off their dinner!’

‘No chance of that,’ said Drew, pointing to the array of tubs, tins and Tupperware on the table. ‘Look at this lot. It’s a feast.’

‘It’s fantastic. Thanks, everyone, you’ve spoiled me. Now, shall we start with some champagne and Drew’s scallops?’

Zennor went pale. ‘They’re not compulsory, especially not for veggies,’ said Chloe, laughing at her horrified expression.

Gabe and Sam decanted the mezze into bowls while Drew brought plates of scallops in from the kitchen, served in their shells with a splash of wine and lemon. Gabe, Troy and Evie proved the biggest fans, downing the shellfish with gusto. Chloe found she enjoyed them a lot more than she’d expected.