When Peter returned, adjusting his favourite Manchester City tie, he saw Anna and froze.

‘I, ah, I made this for you,’ he said, pointing haphazardly to random things in the room.

‘Why?’ Anna looked at him suspiciously.

‘Because—’ Peter paused, looking nervously at Ben who mouthed back ‘your anniversary’ ‘—I married you today.’

As Peter pulled out a chair for Anna and gestured for his wife to take a seat, the other four went upstairs and crouched silently on the landing, trying to overhear Anna and Peter’s conversation.

They got through the first course, and everything seemed to be going okay. Even the occasional peal of laughter could be heard, which warmed Evie’s heart. The scent of pasta wafted through the air, and Evie’s mouth watered. She hoped Ben and Hugo had made extra for them. After a particularly long stretch of almost flirtatious laughter from the kitchen, Hugo leaned over to kiss Evie.

‘Ugh,’ groaned Meg.

‘Yes!’ whispered Ben. ‘Please refrain from PDA while Meg and I are literally next to you two.’

Evie giggled. ‘Sorry.’

Hugo didn’t apologise, and instead looked rather pleased with himself.

‘Do you think it’s working?’ Evie asked during a long period of silence.

‘Can’t I go down and look?’ asked Meg.

‘No way,’ Evie replied.

‘If it’s any comfort, I’m sure they’re getting along better than my parents,’ said Hugo.

‘Aren’t your parents together?’ Evie asked.

‘No. Worse. They’re married and hate each other. They’ll never divorce though. As many times as I suggest it, my mum always says, “What will everyone think?”’

Ben coughed uncomfortably. ‘Sorry to hear, mate.’

Evie delicately brushed her fingers along Hugo’s thigh in reply, hoping it would convey how much she cared.

A loud crash and thump erupted from the kitchen. Then the scraping of chairs being pushed back, together with Anna bellowing, ‘You don’t even know what I do for a living. You never listen to me!’

‘Of course I do, Anna!’ Peter insisted. ‘I just don’t know the ins and outs of Year 3!’

‘I work in learning support, Peter. I have for the past year! I can’t believe you! I’ve spent two years upgrading my teaching qualifications, for god’s sake. Ever since we moved to London, all you ever do is think about yourself,’ Anna yelled, which was followed by the sharp bang of a chair falling over. Evie had forgotten her mum had been prone to knocking things over in frustration during her fights with Peter.

‘Maybe we should leave,’ Ben whispered at the top of the stairs.

‘Yes, agreed,’ said Hugo, already standing up.

‘At least I don’t ignore my children and spend half the evening Skyping friends in Australia!’ Peter shouted.

‘This was a terrible idea. I’m so sorry,’ Evie said to Meg, who bolted down the stairs in tears. The three of them followed her.