I rang Debbie for a catch-up. Ten minutes in, I realised it had been a terrible idea. She droned on about her workload, although she was in no rush to get off the phone to me and back to it. I almost slipped up when she asked me about the puppy. I needed to keep better track of the lies I told. I explained, sadly, that he had passed away. I felt awful lying about something so horrid. I tried Jane again, but it went straight to voicemail and I assumed she was working.

Lastly, I rang Mum who seemed pleased to hear from me. She told me she’d posted the wedding invitation yesterday, so I should get it in a day or two. It was going to be a simple registry-office affair and Patrick couldn’t wait to meet me. If only the feeling was mutual. The house had been put on the market.

‘It’s selling for £400,000. I couldn’t believe it.’ That’s a lot of gin. Although she sounded relatively sober and more positive than I’d heard in ages. I wished my mother well, promising under duress I would be there for the wedding in a month’s time.

When I’d had enough of being social, I gave in and poured myself a drink. The sound of ice chinking against glass whilst on the phone to my mother planted the seed in my head. I wanted to numb the dread that had been slowly creeping up on me all day. When I finished the elderflower gin Ben had originally bought, I popped downstairs to get another bottle. Whilst in the shop, I bought cigarettes and crisps which I intended to use to soak up the alcohol as I couldn’t be bothered to cook anything.

I thought Ben was working, but when he came out of his room I could tell he was dressed to go out. Probably taking Amy out for dinner. Lucky girl.

‘Where you off to?’ I asked.

‘I’m going for a drink with Jason. Want to come?’ He eyed the empty bottle still on the table, moving his gaze onto the newly opened one.

I shook my head. In other circumstances I would have jumped at the chance, but I wanted to drink alone tonight. Also, it would be nice for Jason to have Ben to himself for a bit. ‘Tell Jason I said hi. Have fun.’

‘Are you having a party for one?’ he asked, his lip curled.

‘Yep. I’ll catch you later for post-party drinks,’ I said, raising my glass in a toast.

Ben laughed, his eyebrows raised, humouring me. ‘Catch you later. Go easy okay.’ He jabbed a finger towards the bottle and I nodded.