‘Didn’t I tell you? His deals came in, so he’s flavour of the month and he thinks they might promote him off the back of them.’

‘Nice. What would he be? Drug pusher in chief?’

‘He’d be the guy controlling the drug pushers. Kind of like the sinister mobster in the background. The point is he wouldn’t be travelling so much, so could spend more time with me and his evil offspring. It would be nice for Isaac to realise he has two parents. At the moment, he probably thinks I conceived him with a turkey baster.’

‘He’s three. I very much doubt he spends any time thinking about his conception.’

‘You’re right. I’m anthropomorphising him, or whatever the equivalent is for toddlers. Tell me about Mike. Is Sarah still on the scene?’

‘She is. I don’t know what her magic is, but she’s definitely got under his skin. They went away to Norfolk together last weekend. I’ve never known anyone get that level of commitment out of him before. Not since the disastrous Caroline, anyway.’

‘Maybe he’s growing up. Do you like her?’

‘I do, actually. Just as well, given the amount of time she spends at the flat.’

‘Has he talked about introducing her to his parents? That’s the biggie. Once you do that, there’s nothing between you and engagement.’

‘He hasn’t said anything to me, but then it’s not really any of my business.’

‘Nonsense. He shares everything with you. I sometimes think he’s more of a brother to you than I am a sister.’

‘Now you are talking nonsense. Probably malnutrition from whatever isn’t in your coffee.’

* * *

As I make my way home after seeing Tash, two things are playing on my mind. The first, and more minor, is the idea of her and Greg having another baby. I’m not fooled by all her satanic references – she absolutely adores Isaac – but I know she found it hard adapting to motherhood and I wonder how another baby will affect her. Maybe it’s easier second time around, although I remember how haggard she looked when Isaac was tiny and neither of them were getting much sleep. Mum and Dad would be over the moon to have another grandchild, although I’m sure Mum will use it as an excuse to start ramping up the pressure on me to get married and start a family.