‘I’ve got to run and jump on a call, but I thought you’d like a cup of tea.’ She fumbles behind the door, using her foot to keep it open enough so she can pass me the mug, but closed enough to keep me safe from unfriendly eyes. From the sound of things, Joan, the office dragon, is stomping around nearby. If there is one person you want to avoid crying in front of, it’s Joan. She’s the kind of person who passes off bullying as camaraderie. As Penny hands me the tea, I can see that it’s exactly the colour I like. ‘Oh! And I brought you these.’ She magics a packet of cookies from her pocket and gives them to me. Double chocolate chip.

‘I don’t deserve you. Thank you.’

She blows me a kiss and lets the door close. I lock it after her, not quite ready to resume the day.

CHAPTER 5

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner all I see is red. And not because of all the stupid red Valentine’s hearts, but because I’m so angry at all the red hearts. Not only is the glitter unable to be recycled but the hearts seem to be encouraging people to do things like hold hands and kiss in public, so I am surrounded by the sight, and what’s worse the sound, of affection.

I purposefully bump into at least three couples on my way to yoga.

Truthfully, I have a constant struggle between wanting to be a yogi and wanting to give in and embrace my lack of flexibility and tummy rolls. The latter outcome is much more likely, because no matter how hard I try, or how many yoga classes I go to, I constantly surprise myself with my lack of progress. And for such a small amount of movement, I sweat a lot. The only saving grace is that I have so far managed not to fart in class.

As I reach the studio I spot Tilly, who does actually like yoga.

‘Tilly!’

She turns towards me and my overly high-pitched voice, flashes me her Insta-worthy smile and envelops me in a hug. She is quite lithe, but her hugs are deceptively strong. I often have to brace myself against them.

We break apart and I take in a restorative breath.

‘I’m so excited that we’re finally doing yoga together.’ She squeezes my arms, probably to exaggerate her excitement.

I don’t normally let anyone see me exercise, but I had to make an exception for this evening.

‘Are you kidding?’ Meeting up with Tilly is a bit like a celestial event – you gotta enjoy it whenever it comes around, and when she asked if I could do something tonight, I was loath to cancel the class and lose my money. ‘I worry it’s going to be slow for you.’

‘Oh, Bea, I don’t care.’

She’s impressively flexible.

After a quick bag drop, we rush into the studio just in time, feeling flustered and un-yogic and not in the least bit zen. We find a spot that is almost big enough for two, and squeeze in. The people around us give us insincere smiles and move very slightly to give us more space.