Bella continued driving along the seafront, past the elegant grandeur of Brighton and Hove, towards the industrial port at Portslade-by-Sea. Huge freighter ships and factories lined the shore. The place had a run-down feeling about it, that intensified when Bella turned off the coast road and navigated her way through a warren of suburban streets.

‘Here we are,’ she said, pulling up outside a row of small, terraced houses. ‘It’s small, but it’s ours.’

‘It’s lovely,’ Clodagh said, the lie coming easily because she could see how much it mattered to Bella. ‘How long have you guys been living here?’

‘Seven months,’ Bella said. ‘We moved in right after we got married. Amazing how fast it’s gone. It needs a lot of work, as you’ll see. I want to extend out the back so we’ve got a big, open plan kitchen. The problem is, getting work like that done is expensive. We’ve saving like mad, but it’ll be years before we’ll have enough.’

‘Why don’t you let me help you?’

The words were out before Clodagh could stop them. Her instant, knee-jerk response to Bella. Always looking for ways to make things better. She had tried, several times, to give Bella money in the past. Bella had always flatly refused and they’d eventually agreed that Clodagh wouldn’t offer again.

‘Sorry.’ She held her hands up. ‘I shouldn’t have said that.’

‘Actually,’ Bella said, ‘it might not be such a bad idea. Normally, I’d say no way but it might give Simon something to look forward to? I’m not saying we should start the work tomorrow or anything. But maybe in a few months. If you’re sure you wouldn’t mind? You know I’d pay you back.’

‘Of course I know that.’ Clodagh smiled, relieved. ‘I’m so glad, Bella. It makes perfect sense and it would mean a lot.’

‘Why are you always so keen to help me, Clodagh? I don’t get it. I mean, it’s lovely of you but why is it so important to you?’

‘We’re friends,’ Clodagh said. ‘And friends help each other out. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there?’

‘I guess not.’ Bella’s face cleared and she returned Clodagh’s smile. ‘Come on then. Let’s go inside.’

At the front door, Bella paused before putting the key in the lock and turned to Clodagh.

‘Simon’s not in a good place,’ she said. ‘This has hit him really hard. If he’s a bit off with you, try not to take it personally.’

‘Maybe this isn’t such a good idea,’ Clodagh said. ‘The last thing I want to do is upset him any more than he already is.’

‘It’ll be fine,’ Bella said, ‘I promise. Just don’t expect a big welcome party, okay?’