I thought about that one a bit. He had me there. I had been very drunk on the drive home. If you’d asked me, I couldn’t have even said which route he took or who had unlocked our front door. It was perfectly possible I hadn’t thanked him for the lift.

‘Well, sorry …’ I said, but couldn’t resist adding, ‘but you were hardly alone all night, looked like you and Jasmine were getting on like a house on fire.’

His face hardened. ‘What do you mean by that?’

I sat back on my heels, then rose to my feet and turned.

‘No, seriously,’ he said, catching hold of my wrist to stop me from walking away. ‘What are you implying?’

*

Later that evening, when I was cooking, I had a text from Rosaria. Hey how’s the hangover? I feel shit today! Party boy, all over you like a rash. Do I hear wedding bells??? Hahaha only joking lol. Srsly hope your head isn’t bad as mine. Rxx

About ten minutes after that, I had another text, from Mum. Happy day after your birthday darling. Dad and I are really looking forward to seeing you both at the weekend. Matthew said it’s all in hand but let me know if you want me to do anything, my beautiful thirty-six-year-old daughter! Love you lots, Mum xxx

Matthew and I ate in silence. My phone was on the kitchen table, in between us, and when it buzzed again, I hesitated before I picked it up, even though he had sent two texts while we were eating.

Gillian. Thanks so much for the party looked for you at break but couldn’t find you. I hope you got all those cards and presents and flowers home okay the car must have been full! Your boyfriend has the most amazing voice! Had a good chat with him about my ovary issue and he was so kind and helpful so say thank you to him and I hope I get to see him again soon. Thanks again, love Gillian x I put my phone down again, carefully.

Matty finished eating and put his cutlery neatly together on his plate. I had got no further than halfway through mine.

He reached out and covered my hand with his. ‘Hey …’ he said gently.

I began to cry. Hot fat tears slid down my cheeks.

‘Hey,’ he said again. ‘You’ve hardly eaten a thing … come on … that’s not going to help the hangover, is it?’