I hug her tightly and feel my throat tighten. I just make a ‘hmmm’ sound as she squeezes me, grateful that she’s holding me up for a second.

We go inside, order two small beers and sit down in the back-room conservatory. It’s boiling inside and the light is pouring in, reflecting off the tall fern plants dotted around the room.

‘Blue skies in England at 6 p.m., cheers to that,’ Zeta says. She frowns suddenly. ‘Can you believe they are proudly displaying plastic straws at the counter? That’s embarrassing.’ She refocuses on me. ‘Anyway, cheers to you, to us being together again!’

‘It’s so good to see you. I always miss you when you’re away, but this time, I really missed you.’

‘Sorry for being AWOL at the moment. That is the only downside. It’s my dream job but the travelling is relentless, and I feel like I’m growing so distant from friends. It’s all right with you and Mum, but it’s hard to keep my life here intact.’

‘I know what you mean, but even when people live down the road it’s still hard to drag people out to socialize sometimes,’ I say. ‘So, how was it – your trip?’

‘It was … an experience. I met the most incredible people who are trying desperately to rebuild their lives with practically nothing. It was inspiring. An emotional trip, though.’

‘You are amazing; I’d be too scared.’

‘You’d be fine once you were there, Olive – we all travel safely as a group, with the charity. Come with me one year. It’s motivated me to do even more.’

‘OK – maybe!’

‘So, what the hell has been going on with you? Tell me everything,’ Zeta says, taking a sip of beer.

‘Oh Zets. Well, as you know, I had an awful fight – well, series of fights – with Jacob, and it’s all over. I’ve been a total hermit. I honestly haven’t spoken to anyone properly in weeks, apart from a few people in the office. And there are some cracks opening up in my friendship with the girls. Maybe they’ve been there for a while and the break-up’s just brought everything into focus … I don’t know. I just feel so aware that they’re miles further ahead in life than me. I’m back at square one and they’re raising kids and buying houses and stuff. It’s hard to tell if I am ostracizing myself, or if it’s the other way around.’

Zeta laughs lightly. ‘I understand that. Does Mum know?’

‘Well I haven’t really wanted to burden her with it all. Seems like she’s only just getting her own life back on track. I didn’t want to remind her of, you know, men leaving …’ I still feel a tightness in my chest whenever I mention Dad.

‘Hmm, yeah I know what she’s like. She’s never really been any good at saying the right thing.’

‘Yeah, precisely.’ I sigh. ‘I’ve just been trying to keep my head down and get on with things. Even if I do feel a bit lonely.’