Despite this, though, Toni had never approved of Kim. Kim was outspoken, loud, and loved a good party. Toni didn’t like to drink and couldn’t understand why anyone would. She also found that Kim often dominated the conversation, when Toni felt she should be the centre of everything.

Standing up to greet her friend, Toni made sure she hooked the fake Gucci bag over her arm so it would be seen. Much to her irritation, Kim owned a real designer bag, although Kim never felt the need to flaunt it in the same way Toni did.

‘Darlin’!’ Kim came bounding into the room and spread her arms wide, squeezing Toni in a tight embrace and planting a kiss on her check, which made her feel uncomfortable. Toni had never been good at dealing with people who invaded her personal space. Kim pulled away and pinkie-purple marks from her bright lipstick remained on Toni’s cheek.

Marion had to hide a smirk as she returned to the front door after hearing a loud knock. Knowing there was only one person who refused to use the doorbell, Marion opened the door looking forward to seeing the familiar face of her friend Barbara.

‘How’ve you been, chick?’ Kim flopped down on the sofa, sitting very close to Toni in anticipation of further arrivals. ‘I’m shattered. The girls are drivin’ me mental!’ She cackled, throwing her head back, showing all of her big white teeth.

‘Yes, I’m fine.’ Toni straightened her back.

‘Look,’ Kim said, reaching into her white leather Moschino handbag, ‘I brought supplies!’ Kim brandished the bottle of rosé high in the air triumphantly. ‘Time to get this party started.’ Kim unscrewed the cap and took a long swig as Toni folded her arms across her heaving chest and rolled her eyes.

Marion let Barbara in, giving her a warm hug.

‘Good to see you,’ Marion said, accepting a bunch of roses from Barbara.

‘You too. These are from my garden. I know how much you love roses.’

‘I do,’ Marion said, pushing her nose into the arrangement and inhaling the scent up her rather large nostrils, ‘how thoughtful.’

‘You’re looking well,’ Barbara said, smiling at how well her present had been received.

‘I only saw you last week,’ Marion chuckled, leading Barbara into her living room to join the others.

Barbara’s round face was rather red, and she fanned herself as she took a seat on the sofa opposite Toni and Kim.

‘Nice to see you, ladies,’ she said as a large bead of sweat dribbled down her temple.

‘You too!’ Kim said, sitting forward and putting the bottle of wine on the coffee table next to the cake, tea and biscuits.

‘Subtle as ever,’ Marion said, smiling and winking at Kim. ‘How many glasses?’

‘Not for me,’ Toni said as she slid along the sofa, putting as much space as she could between herself and Kim.