‘No, you’re not,’ I reassure her. ‘When you meet someone you properly connect with, you’ll talk about good stuff. There may still be awkward silences – I can testify to that – but no more armpit or bridge chat, unless your dream man has a fetish you’re willing to entertain.’

‘Eugh, stop it!’ Sasha complains, but I can tell she finds it funny. ‘OK, that’s enough date chat. What else is happening?’

‘Not much really. I’ve started my leadership programme pre-work, and Danielle-the-devil-incarnate is still trying to oust me from my position. All is fine. Good, actually.’

‘And your health?’

I hesitate briefly. ‘No change really. I’m OK as long as I don’t push myself too hard and get a bit of rest. How about the situation with your mum?’ I’m keen to change the subject.

‘I’m working up to it. She knows something isn’t right. Keeps asking why I’m only calling rather than going round.’

‘Right.’ I get up from the bed and start to pace. ‘And do you feel able to do it, Sash? You’re stronger than you think, you know.’

‘I know.’ She says this in a small voice that suggests exactly the opposite.

‘You are. It’s going to be horrible, but remember our chat. Once you’ve done it, you can move on with your life and join me here. I’m sure that dreamy man you’re looking for is right here in this city, just waiting for you.’

‘You’re right. Putting it off is making it harder. I need to do it.’

‘You do. And you can. I’m here, as soon as you need me.’

‘Thanks, Lex. You’re the best. Oh, I almost forgot… I bumped into your sister the other day.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ I joke, but I feel a smidgen of hope. ‘And?’

‘She asked how you were doing. I told her you were great and how well you were doing in your job. She was her usual judgemental self, made some comment about how that won’t last long and how they’ll soon have to bail you out of the hole you’ve dug for yourself.’

‘No surprise there then. She just parrots everything that comes out of my mother’s mouth. Sad that she can’t develop her own world views.’ I keep my tone blasé, but I’m a little deflated by this.

‘Sorry, Lex.’

‘Don’t be. It is what it is. We’ve both been let down, but we have each other.’

‘We so do.’ Sasha’s tone becomes resolute. ‘I’m going to sort it – this weekend. And I’m going to apply for jobs in Birmingham as soon as I’ve done it.’

‘Good for you. You can sleep on my sofa bed if you need to for interviews, and while you find your own place.’

‘Thanks, Lex. Once again, you’re the best.’

‘You too.’ I smile affectionately at the phone. ‘Now go and pump yourself full of self-love and confidence. Good luck.’

A few hours later I’m camped out in front of the TV, laughing my way through back-to-back episodes of Friends. I’ve nothing but my duvet and some apple slices with peanut butter for company. And I’m completely content. Just months earlier I’d have wrinkled my nose in distaste at the idea of lounging around like this, and pulled on my running shoes. But having gotten used to the slower pace of life imposed upon me, I’m starting to appreciate that a bit of downtime is good for the soul. Especially when the rain outside is almost horizontal – and I have a date with a gorgeous man to look forward to (and be fit for) the next day.