‘I don’t suppose you’d be able to take the girls next week, would you? It’s just… I have a meeting at work that I need to go to. It’s… um, it’s…’ She looked away, her foot scuffing at a stain on the carpet. ‘They’re doing a training course. You know, with board members being volunteers it has to be done in the evening, as most of them have jobs. And it’s a bit of a team-building thing, going for a drink after.’ She glanced at Hailey, who was giving her a curious look. ‘It’s in Harrogate. I’ve got a lift back, but I might be late.’

Her sister stared at her for a moment, then nodded. ‘Okay. Yes. I’m happy to take them, but Matt will have to keep an eye on Ezra, because you know Ez hates going to the football. And it depends what comes up at work, but it should be okay.’

Sara gave her a grateful smile. ‘It’s just a one-off.’

It’s not, though, is it? she thought as she went upstairs and pulled off her damp clothes before getting in the shower. Lying to her sister felt horrible. What’s it going to be like lying to Matt? She scrubbed at her skin, turned the water a little hotter, as if that would scald the thought from her mind.

She considered Matt’s behaviour. He was being a bit secretive, shut away in his office. And she’d been sure she’d heard someone – a woman – leave late the night before. The idea that he was having an affair resurfaced and scratched at her skin as she dried herself, rubbing harder as if that would remove all trace of her doubts.

He wouldn’t, she told herself. He wouldn’t put his family life at risk. It was as sacred to him as it was to her, of that she was sure. But his comments that morning couldn’t be ignored, and now she wondered if she was right. Basically, he was questioning whether he wanted to be in a relationship with her if she didn’t play by his rules. Wasn’t that what he’d said? And that felt harsh. Very harsh. It also made her wonder if he had an alternative future lined up for himself. Is that what he’s working on now? And wasn’t it strange that he went back out to his office the minute she got home? Like he’s avoiding me.

With her thoughts completely scrambled, she got herself dressed and headed back downstairs, where she found Hailey in the kitchen making mugs of tea.

‘Is everything okay?’ she asked, pouring milk into the mugs. ‘It’s just you seem a little… fraught.’