George’s napkin escapes from his grasp and dances up into the air. Betty takes a tumble in her wedge-heel fashion trainer. Fitz, Wolfie and Lucky make a fantastic three-pronged approach on the leftover cake, while Dan throws back his head and laughs. Beth smiles at the chaos, then slips off down the hill, back home to her boys.

Acknowledgements

This book would not have been possible without an awful lot of people.

Thank you, Kirsty Dunseath, for loving dogs as much as I do, for getting my sense of humour and for being the fairy godmother of all editors. I still pinch myself to be sure that this is real. I’ve been so lucky to have your eye on this book. Also massive thanks to all the team at Transworld and Doubleday.

Thank you, to infinity and beyond, to the coolest agent in town, Katie Greenstreet, for being amazing and for coping with me throughout this process. This book would not have progressed from a Word document to a novel without your patience, editing skills and insight. I am a very grateful grapefruit.

Big, fat, stinking love to Vicky Blunden, who looked at my first typescript and said, ‘I think this will be picked up by agents, no problem.’

A massive thank-you to Sabrina at Faber for your guidance, and to the class of 2019.

What can I say to Helen Paris for your love and support? You are the Jack to my beanstalk. Can’t wait ’til we are messing about in boats again soon.

Thank you to all my friends and family who read early drafts and helped shape the book. Fleur, Rae, Kelly, Judith (your beat sheet changed my life), Pam, Sammy, Joe, Nula, JD, Renx, Bex, Heather, Anne, Pat. There will be more, who I have forgotten. I am so sorry.

Thank you to all the people who read my column and blogs and said, ‘You should write a book!’

Thank you to the NHS, especially the rheumatology departments in Brighton and Haywards Heath, for your treatment and support. I couldn’t have got out of bed, let alone typed, without your incredible kindness and care. Big kiss to you, Hilary on reception!

Thank you to my dogs, who I am sure secretly read my work and improve it while I am asleep. Thank you for being my constant, caring companions. Thank you for your wet noses and wagging tails. Thank you for making everything better just by existing.

I’d like to take a moment for Bryn Waters, who took his own life, and made me realize what suicide was really about. To his beautiful, brave sister, Linsey, and the people he left behind – I hope this book lifts the lid a little.