‘I have got black trousers with me, I think they’ll be OK,’ I said, running a hand over my hips, concerned that ‘should’ wasn’t enough of a reassurance. There was nothing worse than jeans that didn’t fit, for your comfort levels or self-esteem.

‘I’m sure they are but Juliette likes things done a certain way.’ Sarah held the jeans just out of reach and pursed her lips. ‘How do I put this? If you aren’t comfortable realizing someone else’s vision as to how things should be done, you might not be the right person for this job and it’s better we find that out now.’

‘Lots of jobs expect you to wear a uniform,’ I replied, accepting the jeans with a gracious smile. ‘I understand completely.’

‘Good.’ She turned her appraising eye on my appearance, working her way up from the tips of my black leather heels to the top of my braided blonde head. ‘Your hair is fine, she prefers it pulled back rather than loose, and it’s no perfume and no jewellery, so you’ll have to take off your rings.’

I rubbed my thumb against the back of my engagement ring with reticence. Taking it off felt strange at the best of times; taking it off when we were in the middle of an argument felt dangerously like a dare.

‘While we’re being honest about things,’ I said, sliding both rings off my fingers and feeling so strangely naked as I slipped them into my pocket. ‘I should probably mention I haven’t assisted a celebrity before. My previous experience was more corporate.’

‘I know.’

Of course she did. She probably knew my favourite Disney film, when I lost my virginity, and how many times a day I checked Britney Spears’s Instagram. Not that I was obsessed or anything, I just liked to make sure she was OK.

‘I suppose I’m wondering if there are any specific or particular duties to this role that weren’t on the job description?’ I said. ‘Anything off the record that I really ought to know about.’

‘Francesca.’

‘Call me Fran,’ I offered with a friendly smile.

‘Francesca,’ she repeated without a smile of any kind. ‘I chose you for this job because I believe you’re capable of it and the only specific or particular duty you need worry about, is doing as you’re asked. The bulk of your duties will be incredibly boring. Getting coffee, checking emails, making sure she gets to the places she needs to be on time. Juliette is going through something of a difficult time and she needs a reliable, responsible adult in the room.’

‘I’m a reliable, responsible adult,’ I replied, half-statement, half-question.