She disappeared to make the drinks and I took the opportunity to scrutinise the room. A tall lamp stood in one corner, a couple of indoor pot plants in another, a clock I recognised from Ikea hung on the wall and the couch held two bright red cushions, a similar colour to Megan’s hair. That was the extent of the decoration—she was obviously a minimalist—but weirdly the room felt warm and comfortable.

‘Here you go,’ she said, returning a few minutes later with a tray that held two steaming mugs and a small plate of melting moment biscuits.

I tried to take a sip of my drink, but my hands were shaking too much. Did she want me to talk first? This felt like some kind of test and I had no idea of the answers. I put my coffee back down on the table before I spilled it.

Megan did the same, then—thank the Lord—finally spoke. ‘Now, I know we chatted a little about your situation on the phone. You’re currently separated from your husband? You’re giving nest parenting a try in terms of custody?’

Although she was merely repeating the facts I’d given her, she made them sound like questions, so I nodded at each one.

‘And you’re unhappy with this situation?’

Unhappy? ‘Of course I’m unhappy. I don’t want to see my children only part-time. I don’t want to lose my husband. Splitting up was the last thing I wanted. It came completely out of the blue.’

‘Did it?’ That sounded like a trick question.

‘What do you mean?’

‘Prior to Adrian telling you he wanted to trial a separation, how did you feel about your marriage, Ashling?’

‘I felt fine. I’ve never wanted anyone else. Adrian has always been a good husband and I tried to be a good wife. I thought we had a good life. We own our own home, we’ve got a successful podiatry business, our kids are happy, healthy and doing well at school.’

Megan nodded. ‘And what things do you do together?’

‘We always eat together as a family and we’re both very involved in our daughter’s soccer—we take turns taking her to training, but Sunday mornings are family time when we go to the games and cheer Payton on. Saxon used to come but he stays at home most of the time now as he’s growing up and not interested in sport in the slightest. Between you and me, I’m not either but I make an effort for Adrian and Payton.’

‘Family time is wonderful.’ Megan smiled in a way that made me feel like she didn’t actually mean it. ‘But what about couple time?’ When I didn’t reply immediately, she added, ‘What things do you both enjoy doing together—without your kids. What interests do you both have in common?’