The waiter appears to take our order, which Emmanuel delivers on our behalf. He then disappears behind the bar to make our coffees.

‘So, tell me, how was your trip down?’ she asks me. ‘Are you all settled into your new apartment?’

‘Yes, that’s me sorted. Give or take a couple of boxes of stuff I’m wondering why I kept.’

‘That’s always the way. My husband accuses me of being a hoarder but I don’t see him complaining when I magically produce something he needs in the moment. Selective grumbling, I call it.’

‘Sounds very apt.’ I laugh, pleased that my new boss is so open and friendly.

‘Are you all settled in your new place? Finding your way around all right?’

‘Yes and yes. The city centre is nice and compact, which makes it easy to navigate.’

‘That’s good. And your move went well?’

‘Very smooth. The removal people even left me some food so I didn’t have to go straight out to the shops when I arrived.’

‘That was kind of them. What a lovely touch.’

We pause our conversation as the waiter delivers our drinks and Emmanuel’s panettone. I immediately regret not ordering some myself. The sweet, bready aroma wafts into my nostrils and my stomach grumbles in annoyance at having only been fed fresh fruit for breakfast.

‘Would you like some?’ Emmanuel spots my look of longing.

‘Oh, no. Sorry, it’s just the smell. It’s wonderful.’ I can tell I’m not fooling her one bit.

‘Here.’ She plonks one of her three slices onto her unused napkin and places it beside my coffee cup. ‘One piece won’t do you any harm. You’ll need the energy. First week of a new job is always tiring.’

I realise she’s spot on. I should have thought of that myself and allowed myself a little more breakfast fuel. There’s healthy living and there’s practically starving myself, like I was doing in the run-up to the wedding (I’ve now admitted to myself), and I’m not sure I’ve found the right balance yet.

‘OK, thanks. You’re right. I feel bad taking yours, though.’

‘Not at all.’ She sips at her coffee ‘You’ve done me a favour. I always feel guilty after the third slice.’

‘Sounds a bit like a win-win then.’

‘It definitely is. So, shall we get on to some work stuff then?’

‘Yes, please.’ I sit forward enthusiastically as I take a bite of panettone, which tastes like fluffy, buttery heaven. ‘I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.’

‘Great. The team are looking forward to meeting you. Most of them are in meetings all morning, but I’ve arranged for us to go for lunch today as a bit of a welcome. Hope that’s all right with you?’ She involuntarily glances at the panettone on the napkin in front of me.

‘That’s absolutely fine. Honestly, I’m not obsessed with healthy eating. Or if I am, I’ve just realised I need to stop it. Right now.’

Emmanuel laughs at my self-deprecation. ‘That’s great. We thought we’d go for Thai.’