‘Now you know that I’m secretly a messy person.’

‘I think your room at Hartland’s told me that.’

Joel helps himself to a cupcake.

‘Verity told me I had to get one of these.’ He bites into it. ‘And they are every bit as good as she said.’

‘I can’t take the credit,’ I say, tempted to eat another, but I did test a couple before everyone arrived. ‘Douglas is looking well.’

‘Yeah, he’s doing really well apparently. Jake says that he’s been hell to live with because of his mood swings. Grumpy one minute and pacing like a caged tiger the next. But the centre’s managing his detox safely and he’s been sober properly for over a week now.’

‘That’s such great news,’ I say.

‘I think that they were both really pleased that you’d organised this. I think it’s nice for them to get out and not have to worry about there being alcohol. You don’t realise how many social events revolve around it until you have to cut it out.’

‘That’s what my dad said when he got sober.’

We both turn and look over at Douglas. He’s deep in conversation with Miles and Brett, talking animatedly with his hands about something.

The intercom beeps and I excuse myself from Joel and head towards it. It’s Claudia with her boyfriend and I buzz them in and wait for them on the landing. The noise is quite loud coming out of my flat and I figure that we should get going soon before we annoy too many of the neighbours.

‘Hello,’ I say, opening the door.

Claudia beams at me as she air kisses me on the cheek.

‘I’m so glad you’re dressed like that too. It felt quite unnatural putting these bad boys on for a Saturday night out.’

She pulls self-consciously at her tight leggings.

‘Don’t worry, we’re all dressed like it. Hello, I’m Edie.’ I put my hand out for her boyfriend Robin.

‘Nice to meet you, Edie.’ He shakes my hand. ‘Thanks for inviting us, this sounds fun.’

‘I’m hoping it’ll be as fun as we remember it being. Come in and meet everyone.’

I take them round the room, introducing them.

‘And last, but not least, this is Miles.’ I hold my hands out to present him.

‘It’s so nice to finally meet you,’ says Claudia, greeting him.

‘You too. Edie has nothing but good things to say about the charity.’

‘Well, we have nothing but good things to say about her too. She’s such a natural. I was telling Robin on the way over that she’s going to make a really good teacher if I can get her to fill out the application form.’