Mum reached across the table and patted my arm. ‘I’m so happy for you, Sammy. Even if Jemma isn’t in your long-term future, I’m glad you’re in that place now where you can think about someone new. I was worried about you. We all were.’

‘I know. You don’t need to be worried anymore. I’m doing okay.’

She sipped on her coffee. ‘You don’t have to go to Jack and Millie’s for lunch if you’d rather see Jemma.’

‘That’s not exactly giving her time, is it? She knows where I am. When she’s ready, she’ll get in touch.’

I took my bowl into the kitchen and paused for a moment, hands on the sink, looking out towards the garden. Had I done the right thing in being so honest with Jemma? I hadn’t scared her off so that was at least something. She hadn’t said no. And, when I kissed her last night, there was definitely a spark between us and it was obvious she felt it too. Whether she was ready or willing to do something about that spark was another matter but the ball was in her court now. I had to give her time and space.

Sunday lunch at Jack and Millie’s was loud, frantic, and messy. Isla kept trying to wriggle free from her booster seat and seemed to think that grabbing handfuls of peas and hurling them across the table was hilarious. Actually, it was, especially when they kept disappearing down Millie’s cleavage. Saffron banged noisily on the tray of her highchair and managed to wear more food than she ate, although Isla was pretty messy too.

I realised guiltily that Sunday lunch the week before had been a very sombre affair, thanks to my dark mood. I’ll bet nobody had wanted to say anything in case I had a strop, sped back to London, and stayed away even longer next time.

We moved into the lounge for coffee while Jack and Millie disappeared with a child each to clean and change. While they were gone, my phone beeped, setting my pulse racing. Jemma? But it wasn’t her.

✉︎ From Stevie

If you’re free tomorrow night, do you fancy meeting Rob and me at The White Horse? About 7.30?

✉︎ To Stevie

No plans. Look forward to it

‘Was that Jemma?’ Mum asked.

I shook my head. ‘No, but it was good news.’ I put the phone down on the chair arm while I told her and Dad about bumping into Stevie.

‘That’s wonderful news,’ Mum said. ‘It was such a shame when you all lost touch. I suppose going away to university can do that to friendships.’

I’d never told my parents why we’d fallen out but it was time to come clean.