‘I know what you mean!’ she says, her voice vibrating with emotion. ‘You make me laugh! You think you don’t need me, well, see how you get on without me – and don’t bother to come running to me when you want to borrow my car or my money.’ She walks out into the hall, slamming the door behind her, and I wince at the thud, which has effectively ended the argument. For a moment I stand there frozen, trying to rewind the conversation.

My father comes to see what’s happened and sums it up in a second when he sees my face. ‘Said the wrong thing, did you?’ he asks gently.

I’m pressing my lips together; I can’t even speak.

‘Come on,’ he says, taking my arm. ‘I’ll give you a lift to the station.’

I get off the train at Euston and head with my bag to the market. It’s almost seven and I’m amazed to find Dinah’s still there, and Kim’s with her. They’re packing up and giggling like two conspirators. Kim’s wearing Dinah’s black turban.

They’re happy to see me and I’m happy to see them.

‘Hooray! She’s come back early! You know why? She doesn’t trust us,’ Dinah says and that sets them off again.

She’s excited to tell me about the sales they’ve made and Kim shows me the client book.

‘We’ve got a few extra names for you,’ he says, flicking through the pages.

I’m thrilled and absolutely convinced that sharing a bigger unit with David is going to make a difference. The business is expanding!

‘So tell us, Fern! How was the party?’

‘Amazing!’

‘Gigi liked your gift?’

‘Yes, she loved it!’ I’m on the point of telling them about the new unit, when I think it would be better to mention it to Moss first.

Ever sensitive to people’s thoughts, Dinah notices my hesitation and says, ‘You were going to say something?’

‘Yes! I’m lucky to have you as my friends. Tell you what, let’s go for a drink to Cotton’s Rhum Shack. It’s on me. You deserve it.’

On Monday morning I’m meeting Moss at the Paradise Café to tell him about David’s idea of sharing a bigger unit. The Paradise Café is a Greek restaurant with pine wood panelling painted in dark brown gloss and streaked to look like mahogany. The effect isn’t very convincing, but I suppose if you live with it long enough, you get to accept it. And Moss doesn’t come here for the decor; he comes here because it’s convenient, Andreas, the dark-haired, wiry owner is friendly and the coffee is good.