‘Yes,’ I said, an involuntary smile spreading across my face like I was in the first flush of love – which I suppose I was. When I’d seen Amber at lunchtime, she’d helped me prep for tonight. In fact, she was the reason I hadn’t reacted to being compared to a four-legged creature that buried its own shit. ‘She’s really…’ I searched for the right adjective. ‘She’s just really wise. But she’s also no bullshit.’ I paused. ‘Thanks for her, most of all. I know you went to a lot of trouble to find out about her. She’s amazing.’

Mum’s smile was more guarded this time.

‘That’s alright,’ she said. ‘We all knew that you desperately needed help. We’re just so glad it seems to be working.’

I took a breath, a shard of glass piercing my heart. We. The shiny clean, sober members of the family. And then there’s you. I summoned Amber up, a genie with great skinny jeans. I wouldn’t allow myself to feel bad. I shouldn’t have risked being vulnerable with Mum. I always paid for it.

‘Thanks for giving me the sessions, but I’ll take it from here,’ I said, my words flat. ‘I can pay my own bills.’

Mum looked down, then cocked her blonde head. How did her hair always stay so perfect, even after a day in a hot car showing spoilt people soulless penthouses?

‘Darling, it’s great you want to, but… Amber’s actually very expensive. And we really want you to get the treatment you need. Dad and I are happy to keep footing the bill.’

The rage that was suddenly building inside me was out of proportion to the situation. A blowback of grief followed it: if only everything was as easy as smiling a pretty smile and obediently swigging my San Pellegrino.

‘I’ve got a job,’ I said, my voice rising. Right at that moment I’d have done anything to have a gulp of her wine, take the edge off. ‘I’m in charge of that whole project. It’s a major government project.’

I was bigging myself up, and we both knew it.

‘That’s wonderful. I’m proud of you. But…’ She put down her glass, waved a dismissive hand. ‘Trust me when I tell you that you can’t foot the bill. Let us take care of you.’

There was something so smug about her in that moment. She was so proud of how far she’d scrabbled up the ladder of achievement. How perfect it all looked. No wonder she was so thrilled by Josh’s triumphant days in court. Of Sophie’s ability to land a romantic catch.