‘J… Jemima?’ Simi spluttered.

‘You’ve got to understand, I was inspired by your stories but… the deeper I got the harder it became to speak to you about it. Instead I just hoped you’d forgive me. I mean that’s what best friends do, right… forgive each other’s missteps,’ Jemima said as she noticed Meagan’s grip on her crutch tighten.

She braced herself, ready to duck.

‘Misstep?!’ You used our lives to turn Beverly into an obsessive, home-wrecking freak,’ bellowed Meagan.

Jemima watched as rain streaked down the living-room window, wishing somewhere in those rivulets she could find the right thing to say. She looked back at Meagan who was close to tears, her face burning red. Meagan’s vulnerability was almost more terrifying than her fury.

‘I was desperate and because you said the dating game would help with my book, I thought that meant it would be okay,’ said Jemima.

‘I meant your experiences. Not mine!’

‘I tried to use my stories. I did but – it was too painful,’ Jemima whimpered.

‘So, what? You decided using our stories wouldn’t hurt us? We’ve all been through shit, Jem. You’re not the only one who’s had their heart broken, lost something they wanted. I wanted Parker but he didn’t want me. Simi wanted a family but Oscar didn’t. We got over it. You’re the only person I know who thinks their only option is freeze or flight. You’re not a fucking deer. You’re a 42-year-old woman yet you still run away like a 5-year-old,’ said Meagan slamming her fist on her lap.

‘It’s because of my mother,’ Jemima began, her voice barely a whisper.

‘I swear down, if I hear that dead-body-in-the-street story one more time! It’s because of you! The reason you couldn’t do what you needed with your book isn’t because of your mum. It’s because you were too afraid to take on your own life, own what you’ve been through and make it count for something. You had everything you needed in your own history but you were too shit scared to use it! The only reason your precious Beverly had a stick up her arse in the first place is because you do. She can’t love because you won’t,’ bawled Meagan.

Rage brewed inside Jemima. Meagan knew nothing and was more of a love cripple than she was.

‘What about you with Todd?’ sneered Jemima before she could stop herself. ‘You’ve got a man who loves you yet you use this ludicrous plan to avoid commitment. Truth is, you’re scared. You’re too scared to lean on anyone that’s for sure. No one’s allowed to do anything for you yet you think you know best for everyone else, well you don’t!’

‘Jemima, that’s not cool,’ said Simi holding her hands up.

‘She’s been hiding behind this Parker-didn’t-want-me-thing for years! It’s a set-up. She picked a married man, so she would always have a get-out and you’ve been using the plan as an excuse ever since! You think I’ve got a stick up my arse? You’re a bloody shish kebab!’