‘Don’t worry about the business stuff,’ he said as he helped her to the bed. ‘We can talk about that tomorrow.’ She changed into her pyjamas before slipping under the covers and he sat beside her, stroking her hair away from her face, fingers caressing her cheek. His tenderness made her feel even worse. A sudden sob caught in her throat and she turned away from him, burying her face in the duvet so he wouldn’t see how upset she was.

He left her alone, saying he was going to start work on setting up his office, and as soon as she heard the back door close, she hopped out of bed and retrieved her phone from the pocket of her jeans.

‘Hiya,’ Hailey said when she answered the call. ‘So what’s going on? Have you had a chance to talk to Matt?’

‘He’s been made redundant. That’s what’s been going on.’ Once she’d started, Sara couldn’t stop the whole story coming out, telling her sister how distraught Matt had been when he’d got home the night before.

‘Fiona’s wangled full-time hours for me for a month, maybe more, so we’ll have a bit extra coming in. Not enough to cover all the bills, but it’s a help. Matt’s got the mortgage repayments put on hold, so that’s good. But…’ She stopped, closing her eyes for a moment before making herself go on. ‘Oh Hailey, I’ve done something really stupid.’

Hailey was quiet for a minute. ‘Come on then, spill the beans.’

Sara took a deep breath and told her about the failed investment and Matt’s sudden plans to launch a new business. ‘Look, I hate to ask,’ she said. ‘But I don’t suppose you could lend me the money, could you? Just temporarily, until I get a chance—’

‘No, absolutely not.’ Hailey cut her off, anger thundering through her words. ‘I can’t believe you even asked me that, after everything we went through with Mum. And you know…’ She stopped, her breath crackling down the phone, her voice more measured when she spoke again. ‘No. The answer’s no. You’ll just have to come clean. Or… could you get an overdraft extension or a short-term loan from the bank? Get a new credit card and put it on that?’

‘There’s no way I can borrow any more money. We’re maxed out on all our cards. The bank will want income details for a loan.’ Desperate tears welled in Sara’s eyes. ‘I can’t tell him I’ve lost it all, he’ll go mad. Please, Hailey.’