The story about Dina made me feel for you. It also made me admire you for having the courage to turn up to that wedding, when you knew your ex-wife would be there with her rich new boyfriend. It must all have been so raw. And when you were alone for any time, I could see the way your gaze would slide over to her. Each time it happened, you looked troubled. Confused, maybe.

It’s strange how I felt a surge of jealousy erupt in me, even then. Or at least how quickly it erupted in her. It made Drunk Louise burn with fury and a desire to win. She didn’t like being ignored, Niall. She didn’t like it at all.

I asked April if she thought you were a good choice. I was almost afraid of what she might say. I’d already started to think of you as someone in my life, and in spite of the alcohol, I could feel nerves rising as she hesitated before answering.

But in the end, she said, ‘You know, I think he’s a great choice. He’s a kind person. Sometimes too kind, you know? Like I think he’s been taken advantage of in the past, because he likes to take care of people.’ She gave a grimace. ‘And he’s probably a little hung up on what watch he’s wearing or what car he’s driving, but honestly, I think a lot of that came from Dina. I think he could shake it off.’

‘He isn’t still in love with her?’ I asked.

April gave this some thought. ‘No, I don’t think he is. I mean, I half worry that it’s too soon for him to move on, but actually, I think you’ll be the best possible thing for him. Someone with a good soul, to make him realise how shallow their relationship was.’

I didn’t know quite what to say to her amazing faith in me. But I stored it away and, in the way of stupid people the world over, decided that I could save you.

It was late on that the other thing happened. The thing I’ve always wondered if I should have paid more attention to. It was an argument between you and my new best friend. One I probably shouldn’t have overheard, and that I always doubted I’d got right.

The two of you were outside, where April had gone for a smoke. I’d finally, belatedly remembered to congratulate the bride, after realising I hadn’t spoken to her once all day. By that time Hannah was reeling, and spent some time hugging me and kissing me on top of the head and telling me how glad she was to know me. Once I’d finally escaped, I came to find one or the other of you, not expecting to find you both together.