I never expected to feel such relief after breaking up with Miles; it’s as though a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders. The best part is that we’ve managed to keep things amicable between us. Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve kept in contact, usually messaging to check in on each other, and we met up in person to exchange items left at each other’s flats. Yet, despite the lack of tension and drama, I still feel emotionally wrung out. I’ve had time to really process what happened but I’m still no further ahead with working out what it is exactly that I want from life.

I’m staring at the figures of last month’s profit and loss that Nina in accounts has sent over and it’s the first time that we’re seeing an uptick in profits from the council tender we won at the start of the summer. Orders have started to come in from the different council-run establishments, and whilst many of them have only been small, collectively they’ve made a huge difference.

At the start of the summer, before receiving the note-to-self emails, I might have felt disappointed that the company was doing well, but now I can’t help but feel a little proud. It may not have been my first choice to work at Porter’s but I’ve worked just as hard, if not harder, than I would have done in any other job and I’ve helped to keep it afloat over the years.

‘Morning, Edie, you OK?’ asks Dave, walking past my desk. He’s got his tie underneath his neatly pressed jumper with his brown overcoat on top, ready for his work in the warehouse.

‘Yes, I’m OK.’

‘You look tired.’

‘It’s Monday morning, don’t most people?’ I rub at my eyes.

He’s got the same look on his face that my dad’s had on his face since I broke up with Miles: one of concern and pity.

‘You could do with a holiday,’ he says, pointing a finger in my direction. ‘That’s your problem, you’re always at work or if you’re not you’re thinking about it. You need to learn to take a break.’

‘Um, says the man who hasn’t put in for any leave over the summer.’

‘Can’t stand the heat. I think we’ll head away in October.’

‘Back to Spain?’

‘Oh, yes. We’re creatures of habit. You know, Mary wants us to buy a little place there when we retire. Sell the house and move there.’

‘That would be exciting.’

‘It would, but I keep telling her, I’ve got a way to go before retirement. Don’t worry, I won’t be leaving you in the lurch any time soon.’