‘I think that deserves a little cheers. To coming out the other side, I mean.’

‘Yes, it does.’ We clink our glasses.

‘I’m so sorry,’ I add.

‘Long time ago now.’ He breathes in, pushing his chest up and out and coughs away his emotion.

‘And your kids? How old are they?’ I ask, changing the subject.

His face lights up again. ‘I have two kids. Magical kids. They are fifteen and seventeen now. Very independent, strong young women. So, now, I am free! Sort of.’ He laughs. ‘Although I feel like a one-man taxi company. Weekends going all over the place dropping kids off, picking the kids up from parties. I enjoyed looking after them, but, oh my god I am so glad to have some time back for myself now. Rediscovery, as Iris calls it.’

‘Do you think people judge you for saying that? That you kinda want your life back now?’ I ask.

‘Maybe. But I’m getting the impression you won’t judge me.’ Marcus laughs. We lock eyes and it feels awkward, intrusive, too deep almost.

I look away, a slight blush in my cheeks, and change the conversation. But I’m excited that someone – someone new – is making me feel like this.

When I get home, Isla is there stretched out on the sofa, watching a David Attenborough documentary. Something about penguins.

‘All right?’ I say, placing my keys on the table, slamming the door shut, feeling a little tired from the walk home.

‘S’pose – still feeling a bit meh. Sorry I’ve eaten all your kettle chips.’

‘Ha, that’s OK, what’s yours is mine. How you feeling today? Have you spoken to Mike yet?’

‘Here and there. He’s being very understanding and sweet. Says it’s totally normal that I might need some space. I think he needs some too.’

‘That’s good.’

‘I’m not annoying you by being here, am I?’ Isla asks.

‘No, it’s OK. I do have some work I need to do tonight though.’

‘That’s fine! Shall we cook some dinner together, like the good old days? Ooh, we could cook a roast.’

‘Ah, I’m sorry, I was going to order something and just do some work at my desk in my bedroom,’ I say. It’s true. I need to crack on with various unfinished assignments.

‘Oh, OK. I just thought we might be able to spend some time together, maybe tomorrow instead?’

‘Yeah maybe, I’ll have to let you know.’

‘Is something wrong, Olive?’

‘No – not at all. I just … I suppose … I have a lot going on and I guess I’ve just got used to being a bit more independent, with you guys always being busy.’

‘Right.’ Isla folds her arms and crosses her legs.

‘Look, I’ve been worried about you and I’ll always be a sounding board, Isla. But I can’t help feeling that you haven’t properly spoken to me about the fact that I broke up with Jacob. No one has really.’

‘Oh sorry, you just didn’t really open up about it, you were getting on with things. I just assumed you were fine.’