‘Ahh, nicely put.’ There’s a pause. ‘Has she really invited them all?’

‘I wouldn’t say all, I don’t think you can hire a marquee that big.’

He chuckles. ‘Your Mum is so cool, calling his bluff,’ I can hear the smile in his voice, ‘good for her, I can’t wait to meet her.’

I’ve never thought of Mum as ‘cool’ before, or the fact that she’s bravely calling his bluff – but maybe he’s right.

‘I’ve always thought of her as having all her spark knocked out of her by dad, but you could be right. Maybe she’s tougher than I gave her credit for.’

‘I’m sure she is, just like her daughter. She’s lucky to have you; you’re lucky to have each other. How does the song go, together you’re indestructible?’ He chuckles.

‘Invincible, Muse,’ I say, smiling. This calms me down a bit. ‘I think he’s bricking it actually.’ He wouldn’t have called me otherwise. ‘Serena’s name came up.’

‘Serena?’

‘Top of the bill in Rome. She’s a cellist,’ I’m not quite sure why my brain fixates on things like that, ‘we thought that was over a while ago but maybe not. She was thrilled to be invited; maybe she wants to eye up the opposition, or crow, or wrap her bow round his neck?’ I end on a hopeful note, and Noah laughs again.

‘Maybe your mum is hoping they’ll all turn on him! Batter him with a double bass?’

‘Funny!’

‘Clobber him with a clarinet?’

‘Haha.’

‘Flay him with a flute?’

‘I think you’re getting your wind and string section confused.’

‘Help me out here, I’m struggling.’

I laugh, then sober up. ‘I hope he behaves, for Mum’s sake.’ He’ll turn up. He has to. I’m worrying over nothing. How can he not turn up now Mum has invited all his friends? Letting his family down is one thing, standing his wife up on their thirtieth wedding anniversary is fine. But showing the whole world he’s a selfish git? No. Not his style. ‘He’ll be there, it will be fine.’

‘It will, and you’ll be there for her if she needs you.’

And who will be there for me, I think.

‘And I’ll be there for you,’ he says as though he’s read my thoughts. There’s a silence while we both take that in. ‘Right,’ he’s gone all brisk, ‘I’ll be with you shortly. Just had an issue with the car, all sorted now.’

Chapter 23

Dad is not here. I can tell, even before we walk up the steps. Because if he was, he’d be flinging the door open before we knocked, before we’d got out of the car. It’s what he does.

Makes it all about him.

We have arrived at the party ten minutes late and he is not here. Surely the host is supposed to arrive before the guests.

I glance nervously at Noah and try not to bite my bottom lip too hard. He squeezes my hand. ‘Okay?’

‘Oh Rosalie!’ Before I can answer, the door is flung open and Mum wraps me in a hug. She’s good at hugs, which people who don’t know her don’t expect – as she’s so glam on the outside. New friends kind of lean in tentatively for an air kiss and are swept off their feet (sometimes literally). ‘You’re here!’