The girls hugged, Simi aware of just how tightly Jemima was holding her. She kissed her forehead, willing that special someone to find Jemima and bring her back down to earth.

‘You’re an amazing friend, Simi,’ said Jemima, ‘and you’re an amazing person.’

‘Oh, Jem, you are too.’

‘I don’t know about that,’ murmured Jemima loosening her hold.

‘Are you mad? There is literally not a bad bone in your body. I can’t even imagine you doing something horrid and even if you did, I’d forgive you for anything.’ Simi beamed.

Jemima nibbled on a piece of popcorn. ‘Bless you.’

‘So, while we’re having a Saturday confessional, what did you need to ask me?’ said Simi.

‘It was nothing,’ Jemima said shaking popcorn crumbs from her lap. ‘But what can I do for you, Ms Oladipo?’

Simi’s smile waned as she searched for where to begin.

‘Okay, here’s the thing… I’m thinking of getting a new agent,’ she blurted as though a hasty delivery would deaden the impact.

‘What?’ exclaimed Jemima.

‘Shhhhh. I’m just thinking about it. I haven’t done anything.’

But Simi knew that wasn’t true. Just that morning, with the trepidation of a teenager looking for porn on their parent’s computer, Simi had googled, London acting agents. She needed someone who was used to the plodding and rather traditional reality of managing actors. Meagan was all about the fast-moving world of comedy and it just wasn’t working. This temporary favour was becoming a long-term headache for both of them.

‘What do you think?’ Simi asked, desperate as always for higher wisdom.

Jemima blew out her cheeks. ‘Sim, this is a big deal. Can you talk to her?’

‘Hello? Did you see what happened at her painting party?’ Simi replied spreading her hands in frustration.

‘Fair play.’

‘I drafted an introduction letter. Would you take a look?’ Simi said handing her hefty old laptop to Jemima.

‘You said you hadn’t done anything!’

‘It’s just a letter,’ said Simi, avoiding Jemima’s gaze.

She reached for a notepad, poised to jot down any and all pearls of wisdom imparted.

‘I didn’t know whether to make it corporate and serious, you know, talk about growth quarter on quarter? Or funny. I was going to put confetti in the envelope so that when they opened it—’ said Simi.

‘Picture Meagan getting an introduction letter with confetti inside.’

Simi nodded, crossing confetti off her shopping list as the reality of what she was doing struck her. How would she explain to Meagan she no longer wanted to be her client? And what would happen to their friendship? Would they even have one after that bombshell?

‘The letter’s fine but the real question is, are you ready for what may come if you send it out. Agents talk and Meagan may find out before you’re ready to tell her.’

Simi stared at her letter.

‘You never know, she might be happy about it,’ Simi said, reaching. ‘We’ve talked about keeping work and friendship separate for ages so in a way I’m helping. Plus, it would mean she could move on with her life plan.’