‘I know what you’re saying, Mel,’ she said, more serious now. ‘Lawrence has screwed me around, and I’m nervous about starting anything new. Mum sees it too. Also, I don’t want to complicate what is a great working relationship. Steve and I have to work together. I want him to stay in my life in some capacity. I really like him. I don’t want to frighten him off.’ Grace sat up straight and looked at Mel. ‘Oh, I’ve so missed our deep and meaningfuls. Thank you.’ She bounced up and smiled. ‘Let’s go. I have the morning off.’

They took Daisy to school and waved till she was inside. Then Grace smiled at Mel and felt almost light-headed. The two of them together could do anything. It was a sensation she’d forgotten; that feeling of being carefree. With her friend beside her, Grace was starting to look at the world differently.

Then her phone rang, and when she saw who the caller was, it was as if a black cloud had suddenly descended. Mel was talking to one of the school mothers, so Grace walked quickly out of earshot.

‘Hello, Grace, sorry to disturb you,’ said Mr Judd. ‘I thought it easier to ring you.’

‘Oh, no, Mr Judd. What’s he done now?’ Grace sighed. ‘Sorry. Thank you for calling, but I’m assuming this is not good news.’

‘Well, it depends. Lawrence’s lawyer has contacted me to say his client will fully cooperate with the divorce process. He has no alternative, actually, but this is better than if he tried to throw obstacles in our way, which can happen.’

Grace stopped still. What was this? It sounded positive, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to believe that Lawrence was interested in cooperating. ‘So . . . that’s good news, I suppose,’ she said.

‘It’s a good start, yes,’ replied Mr Judd. ‘There’s more, though: we have just received a date for the mediation, which is in two weeks. I’ll send through the details. Lawrence’s lawyer was on to it very quickly, and he’s informed me of the line they’ll be taking: Lawrence wants custody of Daisy, and there are some other matters. He made it clear Lawrence is not willing to negotiate his terms. I should also let you know that he now has a slick lawyer working for him as well as the man I’ve been dealing with.’

Grace was almost speechless. Lawrence’s threats had mostly been a lot of hot air to this point, but it now looked like he was playing hard ball. She managed to ask, ‘What are the other matters?’

Mr Judd sighed. ‘As well as custody, he wants you to pay child support.’