‘Listen, one step at a time,’ Melanie said. ‘Start cutting all ties to Lawrence, other than regarding Daisy, and get him to give you some financial support for her.’

‘Much easier said than done. I so need this job in Bali, Mel. It would be fantastic – financially rewarding, and it could set me up career-wise. It’s such a great opportunity,’ Grace said. ‘But if Lawrence knows how much I want it, he’d probably throw every obstacle in my path just to spite me.’

‘Honey, you need the money, and this is your work! Has he given you anything to help you – and Daisy – since the fire?’

‘Nope. He assumes Mum will pay the bills, I guess. He hasn’t contributed to the fees for Daisy’s new school either. I just can’t believe I have no access to our money. Mum doesn’t mind helping for the moment, but she shouldn’t have to.’

‘Can’t you take money from your joint account?’ Mel asked.

‘Well, no. Look, I know this is embarrassing but I never asked Lawrence for the password or even the account number.’ Grace stared down at the floor. ‘I’ll talk to him about it and if that doesn’t work, maybe the bank can help me, but I doubt it.’

‘What does he say when you ask him about contributing to school fees and so on for Daisy?’

‘If I mention anything he says to stop being petty and mean. He goes on about the pressure of trying to pull off a big deal, replace a home, and that I’m fussing over small domestic issues!’

‘He’s such an arsehole. Sorry, Gracie. But there’s no other word for it.’

‘Yes. I have to agree. I get so mad at myself for not seeing or admitting it before. But you know what? In part it’s my own fault – I ignored all the signs. I could have made the effort to be across our financial issues, and I didn’t. Don’t –’ She held up a hand to stop Mel protesting. ‘No matter how unfair that sounds, it’s true, Mel. But I’m awake to it all now. C’mon, let’s go for that coffee.’

In the sunny little beach village they settled at an outside table and ordered coffees. Mel picked up the thread of the conversation again.

‘It’s not just you, Gracie. You and I both need to think about our finances – not only now but for when we retire. Women don’t often think of their old age. Doesn’t matter whether you meet another guy or not. You have to look after you,’ she said firmly.

‘Mel, the way I feel now I can’t even look past the end of the week,’ Grace said wryly. ‘But it’s true, I will need to think about my future if I’m on my own.’

‘And think about Daisy. Lawrence is unpredictable. He might say he’ll do the right thing by her and that she will come first. But from what I’ve heard of his rather mercurial business career, I’d say money is the driving force in Lawrence’s life. He needs money to do all the stuff he thinks is important . . . that is, big-noting himself and surrounding himself with the “best” stuff.’ Mel made quote marks in the air with her fingers. ‘He doesn’t have an altruistic bone in his body. Everything is all about him.’