‘Cec, this is the loveliest thing, thank you,’ I say, scanning the garden. ‘How are you feeling?’ My question was deliberately vague, but I’m all too aware it hasn’t been too long since the OAP locked-in-the-house incident.

‘Much better thank you, Ol. My therapist has been teaching me some ways to “forgive myself”. Blips happen, I suppose. I’m doing better, each day is a little easier.’ She starts cooing at Oscar who is strapped to her chest in a cute papoose.

‘I’m really glad to hear that. Oscar is very lucky to have you as his mum.’

I look over at Marcus who’s in charge of the barbecue. He’s wearing a novelty apron which says: ‘I cook as good as I look’. I can only assume it was a joke Christmas present. He is singing to himself while turning over the vegetarian sausages, before looking up as the garden gate creaks open. It’s Isla.

She looks around sheepishly and creeps through the gate.

‘Hey! Sorry I’m late. I’ve brought drinks,’ she says, holding up a tote bag. ‘You must be Marcus, I’ve heard so much about you.’

I appear behind Marcus with a gin-in-tin in hand. ‘Isla! You came. I’m so happy to see you,’ I say.

‘Great to meet you, Isla. I would hug you, but I’m covered in BBQ fat,’ laughs Marcus.

‘It’s cool. It’s nice to meet you in person, finally.’ She nods.

‘Thanks for the drinks – just pop them in the wheelbarrow that’s filled with ice. Glad you could make it.’ Marcus smiles.

‘Hey, Isla, you’re here!’ Bea says, as Colin also appears next to us. We do a group hug.

‘Yeah, of course. Good to see you. I like this,’ Isla says, tugging on Bea’s new grey cashmere Acne jumper.

‘Thank you.’

‘Don’t you just love how Ol’s boyfriend takes control?’ Colin says, looking over at Marcus.

‘You crack me up,’ I say. ‘I’m just going to fill up the snack bowls, back in a sec.’

As I’m about to head inside, we hear Marcus clanking a glass with a fork. Ding ding ding! He’s standing there looking a little nervous, his silly apron still on.

‘I’d like to make a toast,’ he says tentatively. ‘If that’s OK!’

‘Yesssss, love a speech!! Gather round everyone!’ Colin says, ushering everyone closer and opening another bottle of white wine.

‘Oh god.’ Isla and I look at each other and grimace slightly.

‘There she is! Birthday girl!’ He smiles in my direction. ‘I know this is a bit bold, but I’d like to say a few things about Ol.’ He coughs nervously. ‘I checked with her friends, and they reassured me that Olive wouldn’t die of embarrassment and she likes speeches.’

Bea and Cec look over at me and smirk, raising their glasses jokingly. I might kill them. I do not like speeches.

‘I know we’ve only known each other a short while in the grand scheme of things.’ He laughs. ‘But it’s been the best few months of my life.’