‘What do you mean, it’s causing a problem? Figuring out what to do with a considerable windfall requires a lot of thought, but I’m not sure that’s a problem, exactly. If it is, it’s certainly a problem most people wouldn’t mind having.’

She scoops back her mop of ginger curls and those piercing blue eyes search mine.

I sigh. It feels as if Aiden and I have talked about nothing else for the last two weeks. A sudden influx of money, I’ve come to discover, doesn’t instantly magic away all of one’s problems. Our family and friends, the people we both work with, all assume we’re in some sort of state of euphoria. But the truth is that we aren’t, and I know that sounds ungrateful.

‘It’s complicated, Georgia,’ I admit.

She places her mug back down on the table to signal that I have her full attention.

‘Come on, get it off your chest. If you can’t trust me, then you can’t trust anyone. We’ve been friends long enough for you to know that I have your back no matter what.’

It’s hard to put into words and it takes me a few moments to pull my erratic thoughts together cohesively.

‘I think Aiden’s going through some sort of crisis. Don’t they call it burnout these days? You know, when people get themselves into a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion. Our life seems to be in limbo, right now. Aiden always feels he has to keep going; what he does is never enough in his eyes, which is crazy because he’s running on empty and miserable with it.’

The moment I finish speaking I can’t believe I said that out aloud. Georgia’s jaw drops, and her mouth hangs open for a second before she snaps it shut.

‘I’ve always thought of him as Mr Dependable, wishing Steve was a little more like him. I didn’t give it a thought about how stressful that might be. I know the charity rely on him heavily because he has that ability to motivate others. You know what they say, if you want something done, ask a busy person.’

‘I guess it’s partly my fault. We’d love to have a baby at some point, but our savings were dwindling. Opportunities were coming up at work and I was in the running for promotion. It was a time to step up and prove I could handle it.’

‘Now, of course, money isn’t an issue, so you can relax.’

It’s a fair enough comment but Georgia doesn’t understand it wasn’t solely about the money. It was about the recognition and I did what I had to do to make it happen.