‘When most people say that, they really mean that the door is sometimes open, for a limited time and only when convenient. The thing with you is, I know you mean it.’ She shook her head. ‘Fool that you are.’

Of course I meant it. I was holding it together for everyone’s sake, but as soon as they left I fully intended to dissolve into a complete wreck.

Once we’d both stopped pretending not to cry, then had a hug and topped up our mocktail glasses, Leanne changed the subject.

‘Anyway, enough of my depressing life. What’s happening with you? Made any progress with the handsome ranger yet?’

I nearly choked on my virgin mojito. Is this what village life was like? A new woman moves in and everyone assumes she’ll be getting together with the nearest available male? I had to think quickly to come up with something that would avoid having to talk about Sam.

‘I’m having a birthday party. For my thirtieth.’

‘What?’ Leanne tried to lean forwards, but decided it wasn’t worth the effort. ‘Joan never mentioned it.’

I shrugged. ‘I haven’t told Joan. Not that it’s a secret or she – and you – aren’t invited. I’ve kind of had other things on my mind lately, strange as that may sound.’

‘And? When is it?’

‘It’s not until the nineteenth of September.’

‘That’s what, three weeks away?’

I grimaced, realising that she was right. I had no idea how long it took to organise a party, but I was planning on being quite busy over the next few weeks hiding under my duvet, crying and eating ice cream straight from the tub.

‘If you’re up for travelling, I’d love it if you can come back for it.’ If Leanne and Joan were coming, that would be a reason to actually look forward to it.

‘Neither wild horses nor my parents could stop me.’ She screwed up her nose. ‘Well, given my current state, both those things could. But they couldn’t stop Joan, and she’ll need someone here to make sure she comes back to Chester again.’

That weekend was the August bank holiday. The Armitage-Browns would be relocating on the Saturday. Peter had hired a small van to transport Leanne and Joan’s things, although by the time all the junk had been sorted through, what was left would probably have balanced on the back of a bicycle. Joan had politely requested to stay with me on the Friday for one final night, and then vigorously insisted upon it when her grandparents seemed hesitant.

Prior to that, despite wanting to lie on my sofa all day contemplating how sad and lonely I was about to be, I had an afternoon of ReadUp coaching, and having rearranged so many in the past few weeks, I wasn’t about to bail on them.