‘You parted on a really bad note. Plus, you’re pregnant. Your hormones are all over the place.’

‘But why not just text me?’

‘He’s never been away this long before, has he?’

Alison shakes her head.

‘Maybe you should tell the police?’

‘But he’s not away, is he? He’s coming home when I’m not here, deliberately avoiding me, giving me the silent treatment, tormenting me.’

‘I don’t know then. It doesn’t make sense. Have you tried leaving him a note?’ Julie shakes her head and pours herself another glass. ‘I honestly thought he was the sort of person who’d want to clear the air.’

‘He lets things stew if something’s bothering him. I’ll leave him a note but I’m going to try and catch him out when he’s here.’ Alison raises her glass to Julie.

‘Good for you. How are you going to do that?’ Julie blows smoke towards the door and watches it billow out.

‘Try coming home at a different time maybe? I need to know what’s going on. I keep having this feeling that he’s never coming back.’

‘Don’t be daft. He adores you.’ Julie chucks her cigarette stub outside and closes the patio door.

‘He disappeared before.’

‘That’s hardly the same. Your dad paid him to stay away.’

‘That’s what Adam told me, but now I’m wondering if it’s true.’

‘Look, the argument can’t have been that bad, can it? Anyway, you’re having his baby. For all his faults, Adam is not a bastard. I mean, he doesn’t knock you about, does he?’

‘You didn’t hear him. He said we’re never getting married, ever, as though there’s something really wrong about it. Like he doesn’t love me anymore.’

‘He’ll be back when he’s ready and you’ll make up with him like you always do.’

Alison frowns. ‘I’m not sure I should take him back after this.’

‘Don’t you love him?’

‘Does he love me? Anyway, look at me, Jules, I’m bloody huge. It’s not much of a turn on, is it?’ She leans back and spreads herself out on the sofa.

‘You are not, darling, you’re gorgeous.’

‘Rob keeps coming on to me at work, so maybe I’m not so bad.’ She finishes her drink.

‘There you go then.’

‘Told me I deserve better than Adam. That if he was my boyfriend, he’d do anything for me.’

‘Sounds like you’re enjoying a bit of attention.’

‘Yeah, he’s really sweet, but not my type.’

‘Now then, what about a comedy, to cheer us up?’ Julie switches on the TV to an episode of Friends.