As my breathing begins to settle, I straighten up, piercing Sasha with my well-practised are-we-seriously-having-this-conversation look: the one I generally save for my mother when she harps on about irrelevant or unnecessary stuff. ‘Sasha, how long have you known me?’

‘Oh, Lex, don’t start—’

‘If you don’t want me to start, then why play surrogate mother? I already have a real one who melts my head every chance she gets.’ I place my left hand on my hip to punctuate my remark, while allowing just the hint of a cheeky grin to sneak through.

‘OK, I hear you. You’ve a lot going on right now. I’m just… concerned.’

‘Well, don’t be. I’m fine. I may have a lot on, but it’s stuff that’s really important to me: great career, great man – soon to be my husband. I’m planning the wedding of my dreams, Sash. And I love running – plus it’s good for me. That’s all good stress. One little cold is hardly going to floor me.’

‘I know. I get all that.’ Sasha comes to a standstill. She chews her lip, uncertain whether to risk another ear-bashing or take the easy option and play ball. She opts for the former. ‘I’m just saying planning a wedding is one of the most stressful things you can do, even if it is good stress as you say – and you’re only a few months into your new job. If you’re getting sick, it can all add up.’

I study my friend’s concerned face and smile at her affectionately. Sash and Lex. Joined at the hip since ninety-three. Her, the hesitant worrier. Me, the impulsive go-getter. Such opposites. But together, a perfect harmony.

‘Sash, I’m fine. I promise.’ My tone is gentler than before. ‘But that’s reminded me, we need to talk wedding stuff. So, maybe we can walk the rest of the way back to the office.’

‘Fabulous idea.’

Sasha zips up her hooded top to protect her from the chill of the spring breeze. She links arms with me and we start to amble along the tarmacked path, breathing in the delicate scent from the flowering cherry blossom trees.

‘How’s the entertainment side of things going, by the way?’ she asks. ‘Did Dom cave on the karaoke?’

‘Of course he did.’ I crack a sly smile. ‘He knows what’s good for him. Karaoke will be straight after the buffet – when everyone’s loosened up enough to have a go. Then the band will finish off the night with the classics.’

‘Is “Loch Lomond” going to be your big finale? I love that song so much.’

‘Yup.’

‘Oh, I can’t wait! It will be totally amazing. And seeing you sing in your wedding dress, with that incredible voice. You’re going to blow everyone away.’ She starts to flap her free hand in front of her face as her eyes redden and the emotion threatens to spill over.

‘Calm yourself. I’m hardly Leona Lewis.’

‘I know that.’ Sasha dabs at the corners of her eyes with her sleeves. ‘But you’re way better than you realise. What are you going to sing? Have you had any thoughts?’