Emma tuts, ‘Well, there’s no way I’d give up my flat. You need to be an asylum-seeking mother of ten to get a council place these days. And I’m never privately renting again. Remember when I lived above the dry cleaner’s? I’m still waiting for the cancer to kick in.’

‘If you can afford to go to Kenya, then you can afford to give up your council flat.’

‘Babe, I’m not going to be the first person in the world to rent out my flat while I piss off back to Africa, alright.’

Yvonne laughs then stops herself. ‘You’re not really serious about this, are you?’

Emma nods, slowly, like she’s only just convinced herself.

‘But where would Kiama go to school?’

Emma rolls her eyes. ‘There are schools there.’

‘What, some international school, with a bunch of spoilt expat kids? He’d end up with a weird American accent. Like you at university, dude,’ she mocks and they both laugh. ‘If you’re fed up with London, at least try and move out to Surrey or something first. Not all the way to Africa.’

‘Ignore me. It’s the drink talking. We’re both not really in the mood, are we?’ Emma yawns and Yvonne knows for sure that the moment has passed. Emma has trumped her confession with her own plans. ‘Let’s call it a night,’ Emma says. ‘I’ll let you answer your booty call.’

They pull on their coats and go outside. It’s drizzling lightly and women who are overly made-up and under-dressed scatter about beneath umbrellas.

‘Emma, I’m sorry about tonight.’

‘Why?’

‘Because,’ she stares at her friend and wonders if she’ll ever be able to do it, to tell Emma she’s fallen in love with the man who’s made her life so difficult. ‘Because, there’s stuff on my mind at the moment. So, I’m—’

‘It’s okay. I know you get stressed with work and your flat sounds like an endless fucking nightmare. Plus, I’m not much fun. Especially, compared to whatever hot new relationship you’re in.’

‘No, it’s not that, it’s—’

‘I do know you by now, I can see it in your eyes.’

Yvonne allows her bag to fall off her shoulder.

‘I’m not digging. Go, it’s too wet to stand out here chatting. Why are you crying?’ Emma asks cautiously. ‘What’s going on with you at the moment?’

Yvonne takes a huge breath. ‘We’ve been together for a while. I wanted to tell you, but I was waiting for the right time and the months go by so fast.’ Yvonne covers her face, relieved that it’s all finally coming out.

Emma laughs, ‘Babe, it’s great you’re seeing someone. Why are you getting so upset?’

‘Because, I’ve wanted to tell—’