Donna shook her head slowly. ‘I can’t tell you that, I’m sorry. I’m not even sure I heard him properly, it’s so outrageous. I worshipped Georgio from the first time I saw him, I have lived my life to please him, I was frightened that if I argued with him he’d leave me high and dry. Especially as I couldn’t give him a child. Consequently, he has lived his life as he wanted to, and I’ve allowed him to. He had affairs over the years and I never said a word, only lived for the day when I knew instinctively it was over. Now I am in control, he needs me more than I need him, and I feel pleasure in that fact, even though I know it’s wrong. It’s evil.’

Caroline made a noise with her lips. ‘I don’t see why. He sounds a selfish bastard if you ask me. My mum says they’re all selfish bastards, men. Twenty years you’ve given him; you’ve looked after him, his home, the works. It might do him good to see you showing a bit of strength. I know Wayne is proud of me and the way I cope. I’ll tell you something else: I give him a bit of lip now, something I would never have done before he got sentenced. I like me bit of independence. I’ve been with him since I was a kid, he’s called the tune and I’ve done the dance he wanted, same as you.’

Caroline paused and took a swig of her coffee. ‘It’s time for you to save your own life, girl,’ she went on. ‘Whatever he’s asked, think about it long and hard before you make a decision. Do what your head tells you and not what your heart does. That’s the only real advice I can offer. You’re a good-looking woman, a nice woman, so don’t sell yourself short. There’s plenty of people around to do that for you. If you want him then have him, but on your terms. That’s what I’ve done with my Wayne. I’ve got that poor git on his knees, and oh, it don’t half feel good. I ain’t stepped foot outside the house since he’s been banged up, but I let him think I’m out and about. Not having it off or nothing, but out with me mates and that. In fact, I go to Bingo with me mum on a Friday at the Mecca, it’s her treat, and me dad babysits! I’ve realised that a lot of life is not what you say, see, it’s what you don’t say. People have to make up their own minds then. It’s like a game, and only we know the rules.’