‘What, Lou? What did he say?’ I lean my head back, eyes closed.

‘He told me we can’t afford to go on honeymoon to Jamaica and we should either scale the wedding back or go on honeymoon next year. I mean, who even does that? Who takes their honeymoon a year after their wedding? And if I am good enough to marry, why am I not good enough to save up for and take on a five-star retreat to Jamaica?’

The deep sigh I release goes unnoticed by Lou. Every deep sigh I’ve ever released since our friendship started in 1998 has gone unnoticed by Lou. ‘I suppose you could ask yourself the same question, chuck.’

‘What? What do you mean?’

‘I mean, if he’s good enough to marry, why is he not good enough to wait for the honeymoon for?’

‘You’re not being fair, Kat. He said he’d take me somewhere nice but to leave it with him. I mean, this is my wedding, I’m only ever going to do this once and I want it ALL to be perfect. Don’t I deserve that?’

‘Of course you do, Lou, but if the budget won’t stretch and Daddy won’t pay up, it’s a no go.’

‘Daddy will pay, but Will won’t let him.’

‘It is Will’s wedding too, you know.’ I open my eyes and study the slice of sunlight cast across the ceiling from my part-closed kitchen door. ‘Look, don’t write him off. Any man who can put up with you deserves a chuffin’ medal, therefore Will doesn’t deserve grief over the fact he can’t furnish you with your every wish. Life isn’t like that.’ Not that Lou would know – Mummy and Daddy aren’t short of a bob or two.

‘A medal? Do you think I’m hard work to live with? Do you think he has to put up with me?’ she whines.

A cloud passes over, fuzzing the slice of sunlight. ‘You have your moments.’

There is a reason I have never flat-shared with my best friend of forever and a day. I happen to know that not only is Will planning to take Lou to Jamaica on honeymoon, but he has booked a three-week, all-inclusive, five-star hotel at £500 per night. Unbeknown to her, he is preparing a ceremony where they can renew their vows in private – despite the fact they will only just have got married – and he has organised a special dress for her to wear for the occasion, because he knows she will love the whole thing. He shared this secret on a night out down West Street.

‘Look, Lou. Don’t be a princess about it all. You two are perfect for each other, and he will only ever do the absolute best he can do for you. If it means waiting for the right time, then wait. He’ll make it worthwhile, I promise.’

‘Do you think so?’ she sniffs.

‘I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t.’ I pick at, and pull out, a feather from the sofa that’s been sticking into my leg. It’s long and white, and floats gently to the floor as I drop it.