Sara tried to take in what he was saying; the idea of him setting up his own business so unexpected, the implications hadn’t really registered. His excitement was infectious, though, and a glimmer of hope ignited in her heart. Surely they could manage for a couple of months until the money came in. A conversation with the bank, maybe a temporary extension to their overdraft… Her administrative mind carried on working through the list, identifying what they’d have to do to make ends meet, and at the end of it, she allowed herself to consider the possibility that, actually, they were going to be okay.

Matt was still talking, bursting with enthusiasm for his new project. ‘It’s our future, love. I’ve wanted to be my own boss for ages. After I’d got over the shock of being laid off, and I got this email enquiry, I realised this is my opportunity to follow my dreams. Just get on and do it.’

‘Wow,’ she said again, unable to form a more coherent response, but Matt didn’t seem to notice.

‘I’m going to turn the garage room into a proper home office. I’ve already got electricity, broadband and heating in there, so that’ll be easy. A few more sockets maybe. Better lighting. Security system. Then I’ll need…’ He stopped talking and laughed, reaching out to stroke her cheek with the back of his hand. ‘There’s actually no point telling you the details, is there? You haven’t got a clue about this stuff.’

She put the glass down before she threw it at him. Why did he assume that because she didn’t understand IT-speak, she was clueless about everything? She was the one with the business studies degree, so she did understand about running a business – probably more so than he did. She kept her thoughts to herself, though, letting him ride the crest of his wave.

He took her other hand, making her look at him. ‘I’ve been costing it out. I’ve even been talking to suppliers today and sweet-talked some excellent discounts. I’m thinking it should take a month or so to get it all set up and ready. And the best news is that it’s only going to cost nine grand or thereabouts.’

She gasped, panic filling her head, making her pulse race. ‘But we haven’t got that sort of money, have we?’