For the first time, in Liv’s memory at least, the retired players won the match. It was up to Maya to present the prizes and there was lots of joking and cheering and, in the end, they’d all trooped to the pub and tucked into sausage rolls and sandwiches put on by the sponsors.

‘So Pete’s keeping a low profile?’ Anya asked Liv as they waited by the bar.

‘Yeah, he’s staying with his family; I think he’s set on a quiet Christmas this year.’

‘So, you’ve spoken to him?’

‘Of course, I speak to him all the time – you know that.’

‘And he didn’t say anything about…’ Anya stopped.

‘You know Pete, loyal to the end; of course he didn’t say anything. We’ve been friends a long time and I’ve never heard him say a bad word about anyone,’ Liv said softly, because regardless of what had happened between them, Ballycove was too small to go falling out with people – Barbara Quirke had done enough of that for everyone.

Later, when Eddie joined them, Liv asked if he’d checked in on Pete, just to say hello, make sure all was well; after all, if he did need to talk to someone, maybe he’d prefer to talk to a bloke rather than to Liv.

‘Eh?’ He looked at her blankly between popping cocktail sausages into his mouth. ‘Course I didn’t call into him. What would I do that for? Don’t we always run into him in the pub?’

‘Yes, but things are different this year. He might need a mate to check in, you know; have a chat, man to man, just let him know that people are thinking of him.’

‘Come on, Liv, what do you think we are – Brokeback Mountain buddies?’

‘No, of course not, but I mean, what if I broke things off with you and no-one bothered to check if you were all right? You’re his friend.’

‘Well, that’s not likely to happen is it?’ He shook his head and for a moment, she wondered, which bit wasn’t likely to happen, because going on the amount of quality time they’d spent together over the holidays, she had to admit, even though he had made her the perfect engagement ring, it felt as if he wouldn’t be one bit gutted if she broke off their relationship in the morning. ‘I mean, if any of us is more likely to move on, it’s not going to be you, is it?’ He made a face. She hoped it was a badly made joke.