And maybe I should coach Elinor. Because if she arrives and gives Luke that icy look and says, ‘You need a haircut,’ then we might as well not bother.

I consider for a moment, then type a reply:

Dear Elinor, I will be glad to meet you later today. Perhaps we could have tea together before seeing Luke in the evening. Shall we say 3 p.m.?

I’ve sent it before I realize that I have no idea where to have tea in LA. In London it’s easy. You can’t move for teapots and silver tiered plate stands and scones with cream slathered on them. But in LA?

I think for a second then text Aran:

Do you know the best place to have afternoon tea in LA?

Immediately his reply pings back:

Sure. The Purple Tea Room. Latest place. Always booked up. Shall I get you a reservation?

After a few more texts it’s all set up. I’m meeting Elinor at 3 p.m. and we’ll talk everything through. And then she’ll come here to see Luke at 7 p.m., and I guess we’ll take it from there.

The trouble with Luke is, he’s so stubborn. He’s decided he hates his mother and that’s it. But if he only knew. If he’d only give her a chance. Elinor may have done all kinds of terrible things when he was growing up, but while we were planning his birthday party I saw how much she regrets it. I saw how much she wants to make amends. I even saw how much she loves him, in her own chilly, Vulcan weirdo way. And the thing is, she won’t live for ever, will she? Does Luke really want to be estranged from his own flesh and blood?

As I’m gazing through the kitchen window, Suze’s car turns into the drive, and I watch her park carefully under a tree. Thank God. Suze will help me. I haven’t seen Suze properly for ages, I realize. I’ve missed her. What’s she been up to? Where was she last night?

I’m about to yell ‘Suze!’ out of the kitchen window when, to my surprise, the front passenger door opens and two long legs in capri leggings emerge, followed by a sinewy body and unmistakable blonde hair.

I stare, discomfited. It’s Alicia. What’s Suze doing with Alicia?

Suze is just in jeans and a black top, but as usual, Alicia is wearing an amazing yoga outfit. There are slits in the side of her orange top and I can see her tanned, lean torso. Urgh. She’s such a show-off. The two are talking earnestly. Then to my horror, Suze leans forward and gives Alicia a big hug. Alicia is patting her back and seems to be talking soothingly. I feel outraged at the sight. In fact, I almost feel sick. Suze and Alicia Bitch Long-legs? Hugging each other? How can she?

Suze turns and heads towards the house, and a moment later I hear her key in the lock.