‘He’s been so grouchy lately that the timing hasn’t been right to have a heart-to-heart. So, another week drags by and the gap between us seems to just keep getting wider and wider.’

‘You guys always used to have fun together and it was good to see. I feel bad not noticing something had changed. Not much of a friend, am I?’

Now I’ve made her feel guilty and that’s not what this is all about. Aiden has become lukewarm to every attempt I make to reach out to him. What’s frustrating is that I can’t even pinpoint when the change began to occur. That slip from spine-tingling excitement whenever we’re alone into a cosy, almost mundane, existence. I could weep.

Georgia picks up her mug and sips her coffee, mulling over my words. It’s agonising.

‘Steve and I don’t have time to even think about going through a plateau in our marriage, because of the kids. All we can think about is what sleep we can grab and quality time as a couple has become a distant memory. Our gift to each other is a lie-in.’ She grimaces.

I can see it’s an attempt to lighten the moment, albeit she’s speaking from the heart. But this is the last thing she expected me to blurt out and now I wish I hadn’t started the conversation.

‘This win, well, it seems to be polarising us, Georgia. I just want the old Aiden back.’

She stares at me, shaking her head sadly. ‘Now you’re worrying me, Fern. You’re in HR and you deal with people and their problems all the time. You are a good communicator and you know how to read the signs. If you can’t handle this, then maybe it’s time to think about talking to a marriage guidance counsellor.’

Before I can react to her suggestion, we hear the sound of the front door opening. Aiden’s voice calls out ‘Hello,’ which makes my stomach flutter, nervously.

Georgia and I exchange a resigned look.

‘I’d better go,’ she says, brightly. ‘I didn’t realise it was that time already. It’s my turn to cook tonight. My brood will be attacking the biscuit jar and wondering why there’s nothing in the oven.’ She places her hand on my arm, giving it a squeeze. ‘We’ll speak tomorrow,’ she whispers, and as Aiden enters the kitchen, she gives him a warm smile. ‘One in, one out. Catch you later, guys,’ and with that she disappears out through the back door.

Aiden approaches, stooping to place a fleeting kiss on my cheek and I can see he has something on his mind.

‘Hard day?’ I ask, hoping it will prompt him to talk about it.