‘Right,’ I say. Same difference, I think.

Bea takes off her apron and puts it in a big drawer.

‘Right, now that Flossy and Amelia are all settled in the next room. Hurrah – a chance for some “us time”! Anyone for a mid-afternoon drink, if you know what I mean?’ Bea gets out a bottle of Malbec. It has some dust on it, which suggests that it might be an expensive one. Better than my usual from the Co-op bargain bucket. ‘This is what Sundays are for!’ she says, pouring from the heavy wine bottle.

‘So how are you Belle?’ Bea asks.

‘I’m good, actually. Work’s going well, and the kids are blossoming! I still fancy my husband. You know, can’t complain honestly,’ Belle says, flicking her hair over one shoulder.

‘How many kids do you have?’ I ask, sounding politely intrigued.

‘I have six,’ Belle says.

‘Fucking hell,’ I say, before I can get control over my mouth.

Bea looks at me with widened eyes.

‘Ha-ha. That’s a fair reaction. I know, it’s a lot!’ Belle says, brushing her long silky blown-out hair over one shoulder.

‘Right, here you are,’ Bea says, handing us both a glass of red. ‘Cheers, to us!’ Clink.

‘So how do you do it then – balancing six kids and working?’ I ask, taking a sip.

Bea gives me a look that says I should stop grilling her mate.

‘Sorry if I’m being nosy,’ I continue. ‘I’m a journalist, and sometimes I can come across a bit strong, a bit like I’m interviewing someone instead of talking! Terrible habit!’

‘Oh no, it’s fine,’ Belle says, wiping some red wine from her chin.

Here’s the thing: most people love to talk about themselves.

‘You know, we just make it work. My husband works full-time too, but he will do what he can to help. I just … we find the time, I guess. It’s amazing what you can fit into one day. I do the drop-off and my husband picks them up. What’s that saying: we all have the same amount of hours in a day as Beyoncé!’

‘I actually find that saying really depressing,’ I say.

‘Oh?’ Bea says.

‘Well, like, yeah we all have twenty-four hours in a day, but Beyoncé has caterers, personal trainers, chauffeurs …’

‘Yeah I know what you mean – I guess I just make it work with what I’ve got,’ Belle replies.

‘It’s super interesting to hear about other people’s routines, though … I’m in awe.’ I laugh nervously. Six kids. Six!

‘I love how you just get on with it,’ Bea pipes up. She is now restocking the fridge on the other side of the kitchen.

‘Yeah well, maybe we are just lucky. The kids are bright, they’re doing well in their exams, very sporty too. You know, I genuinely think I might turn the spare room into a trophy cabinet room. They bring some new award home most days!’

I look over at Bea who is smiling at her. I can’t help but raise my eyebrows.