Jessica took a deep breath. ‘Firstly, I want you to apologise to the people from the party. I think we should both pop round to see Pat Murphy and Dougie and Vicki. You were so loud and argumentative, Ed, you upset everyone. We’ve only just moved into the area and I don’t want people to think we’re the dregs of society. Just tell them you was drunk and how awful you feel about forcing Joey into that boxing ring.’

Eddie nodded. ‘I’ll do it. I’ll go and apologise first thing tomorrow.’

Jessica paused, before carrying on. ‘I want to come with you. I don’t want the women down the school making snide comments about us, so I want to show that we’re united as a couple. Another thing I want you to do is knock at that O’Hara bloke’s and shake his hand to show there’s no bad feelings. We only live down the road from him, Ed, and I really don’t want any aggravation. I can’t live my life looking over my shoulder and if you and him have got this feud going on, it’s not safe for me and the kids to live there.’

Eddie looked away from her. Apologising to Pat and Doug was one thing, making things all right with that cunt O’Hara was another. He turned back to Jess. ‘The feud between my family and the O’Haras has been going on for years, Jess. It’s complicated – you wouldn’t understand.’

Jessica stood her ground. ‘What’s more important, Ed? Jimmy O’Hara, or me and the children? I’m not coming home until you do as I say, and if you don’t, then I’m leaving you for good.’

Knowing his wife meant business, Eddie nodded once again. He hated the thought of swallowing his pride, but the thought of life without Jess was far worse. ‘OK, I’ll do it,’ he said.

‘I’m coming with you. I want us to go to the O’Haras’ together. I don’t want his wife and family to think that there’s any ill feeling. I’ll probably bump into the woman at some point and I don’t want any awkwardness.’

Having little choice, Eddie reluctantly agreed. ‘Is that it? When are you moving back – tomorrow?’ he asked Jessica.