‘Ros, don’t take this the wrong way but this week has been a nightmare and I don’t think I can deal with roommates tonight.’

I stopped in the middle of the aisle.

‘I don’t have any roommates,’ I said, confused. ‘What are you talking about?’

A pause.

‘You don’t?’

‘I’m staying at my parents’ house until I find a flat. I must have told you ten times.’

‘That’s what I meant,’ he replied confidently. ‘I meant your roommate-parents. I didn’t want to offend you but the idea of dealing with anyone’s mum and dad after the week I’ve had is just too much. Come to me, I’ll open some wine, make some pasta, pull out the projector. I’ll make you your own private cinema. It’ll be wonderful.’

It did sound wonderful, or at least it would have sounded wonderful if we hadn’t already made plans.

‘I can’t, all my stuff for tomorrow is at home,’ I explained slowly, calmly. ‘And it doesn’t make any sense to go all the way back home and then come all the way back across London just to go all the way back again in the morning. The baby shower is ten minutes from my mum and dad’s place.’

‘Then we’ll get it in the morning on the way,’ Patrick replied. ‘Look, you’ve clearly had a hell of day. Has that Snazz upset you or something? You never used to get this stressed out about little things.’

‘I’m not stressing out about little things,’ I said, grabbing the cheese. I didn’t care if we were sharing it or I ate the entire thing myself, either way, it was coming home with me. ‘I told Sumi we would be at the baby shower early to help her set up because you said you wanted to help.’

‘You know what, I am really exhausted,’ he said with a forced yawn. ‘Why don’t we watch the film tomorrow night instead?’

I felt my frustration rising. It was reasonable that he wanted to stay home after a long week but it was also reasonable for me to expect him to stick to our plans, especially when those plans made the most sense for the following day. My grip tightened around the handle of the basket.

‘After the baby shower,’ he added. ‘Which is in my diary and I am very excited about.’

‘Really?’

Patrick huffed down the line. ‘Rosalind Reynolds, I can’t believe you would doubt me.’

I rubbed my nose on the back of my hand to drive away any threatening tears. Frustration always made me tear up. Frustration, anger and any time there was an elderly dog in an advert.