‘I mean, just never knowing what had happened to her. It was OK for me, in a way, because even though Nan didn’t come home, I know where she is, I know she’s safe, that she’s alive, but the Kyles . . . they just have to live in this limbo, this not knowing.’

Chloe picks more sugar up with the spoon, watching the granules fall slowly off the edge.

Hollie dips her hazel eyes into Chloe’s eyeline and reaches for her hand. She lowers her voice when she speaks.

‘It’s awful, Chloe, it really is, but don’t go taking on the worries of the world right now, you’ve got other things to think about. Seriously. Like getting a new job.’

Chloe nods in a way she hopes will reassure her friend. ‘I guess.’

‘So you’ll sign up with some job agencies? Today?’

She nods again. Hollie starts putting on her coat and scarf.

‘Listen, I’m sorry I haven’t got more time, but Phil’s taking me out tonight. It’s the anniversary of our first kiss.’

‘Do people celebrate that?’

Hollie shrugs. ‘We do.’

‘I just can’t help thinking how empty their lives must have been all these years. I mean, imagine—’

Chloe looks up towards her friend, but Hollie’s picking the skin around her thumb. When she looks up again, it’s like she never even heard Chloe.

‘Did I tell you we’re going to Lanzarote by the way?’

Chloe looks up. ‘Wasn’t it Fuerteventura?’

‘Oh yes, it was, but you get more for your money in Lanzarote. We’re staying in a five-star spa hotel.’

‘Oh,’ Chloe says. But she’s looking at the teaspoon. She has never been to a spa hotel, and she would bet the Kyles haven’t either – it’s not really their style.

‘Chloe,’ Hollie says, putting her hand on her friend’s arm.

She looks up.

‘Give up this silly fantasy. Please. Find yourself a job, that’s what you need right now, a healthy distraction.’

Chloe puts the spoon down and starts pulling her coat on. She loves Hollie but sometimes she wishes she would mind her own business because all it does when she doesn’t is stir up all those old feelings.

‘Do you want a lift? I’m only parked down the road,’ Hollie asks.

‘It’s OK, I’ll walk. It’s not like I’m in a hurry anywhere.’

‘OK, good idea, you’ll pass a couple of recruitment agencies on the way home. Pop in.’ She checks her watch. ‘It’s not even five yet.’ She rolls her coat sleeve back down, then leaves a kiss on the top of Chloe’s head. ‘Call me soon, yeah? And promise me you’ll speak to HR.’

After she closes the door behind her, the waitress carries over a tray rattling with empty cups and takes theirs from the table.