‘How is her mum?’

‘Not sure. But I heard her and Casey bickering on a video call, and I don’t think Casey would do that unless she thought her mum was getting better.’

Together we watch her. ‘She moves like you. Looks like you.’

‘Does she? Let’s hope it’s only skin-deep, for her sake.’

Vijay groans. ‘Why do you keep doing that?’

‘What?’

‘Putting yourself down. Sure, you’ve made mistakes, but show me one person in this room who hasn’t, except Idoia’s baby. The important thing is, you’re trying to make up for lost time.’

‘I guess. Though I still haven’t told her about this place.’

Vijay pulls a face. ‘Bloody hell. The longer you leave it, the more painful it’ll be.’

‘I’ll do it at the weekend,’ I say, sounding more determined than I feel.

He pulls a sceptical face. ‘When do you find out if it’s worked? The treatment?’

‘There’s a final scan a week today, before the last consultant appointment on Friday. If the tumour’s shrunk, that’s good, but it could still cause problems for her. Plus, the treatment itself might cause long-term side effects.’

‘Shit. You wouldn’t guess she’s got that hanging over her. She’s so full of life.’

The kitchen island is piled high with pizza boxes, and Gemma comes in from the terrace to grab one. Her green silk dress shimmers like leaves in a breeze.

‘Your new friend is interesting too,’ Vijay whispers. ‘Not your usual type.’

‘What’s that meant to mean?’

He laughs. ‘Nothing bad. It’s nice to see you dating someone who eats pizza rather than push a lettuce leaf around a plate.’

‘We’re not dating.’

‘Don’t be defensive, Danny-boy. All I’m saying is, I’ve been taking soundings and the gang approves. How did you meet her?’

‘Bumped into her on the way to the hospital.’

‘Old-school! Is it time to shut down our Get Dan Coupled Up WhatsApp group?’

Tonight is so special that I don’t feel irritated by how much my friends interfere in my life. ‘Ha ha ha.’

He laughs. ‘Seriously, mate, I’m thrilled for you. Everything sorted, in three weeks?’

‘Don’t tempt fate.’

‘It’s not fate. It’s overdue. Now all you need to do is believe it’s what you deserve.’

The track changes to ‘Umbrella’ and I watch as Casey comes in from the terrace, pulling Bear with her, looking for Gemma. Casey persuades Gemma onto the part of the floor with space to dance. Casey moves so naturally, and Vijay’s right – she’s inherited my dancing genes, not her mother’s.

A couple of my friends join her, following her moves, and she grins, enjoying being the centre of attention for the right reasons.

When you’re sick, you’re sidelined. I lost count of the times I was supposedly the reason everyone was at some charity soccer game or fun run. I would get the best seat and the pick of the cakes, and a blanket to keep me warm. But what I wanted was to be on the field, muddy and breathless, like everyone else. I wanted to be seen for who I was, not what I was suffering from.