‘No,’ I say, after a second, though part of me still isn’t sure.

‘Well, there you go then.’ Mum glances again at my father, who finally places the phone back on the table. ‘Speak to him when he gets back. You’ll no doubt find he’s full of apologies and devastated that you’re upset. Go home, get the children to bed early, crack open a bottle, and cuddle up in front of a film together. And steer clear of anything emotive. You’re both too exhausted to see things objectively.’

She’s right. I’m getting things out of proportion. I’m so busy trying to avert a crisis, I’m creating one. I drag my hair back from my face. It’s a bedraggled mess, desperately in need of a cut and nothing like the soft, glossy curls of the woman I have imagined I’m competing with.

‘In fact, why don’t you let Holly and Josh stay over?’ Mum suggests, getting up to collect the mugs. ‘It will give you two some time together.’

‘No!’ I say quickly, grabbing the phone and my bag, ready to herd the kids up.

Her back to me, Mum stiffens visibly. I’ve hurt her feelings, but she knows I won’t let them stay over. She knows why, but she never speaks about it. It’s like it never happened. But it did.

My father turns away as I look at him, avoiding eye contact. I don’t need to wonder why.

‘I’ll go and drag them away from the TV. Maybe another time, Mum,’ I say brightly. When Dad’s away on one of his business trips, I don’t add.

She turns from the dishwasher, nods and smiles, but there’s a sadness in her eyes. How could there not be?

Going into the lounge, I maintain my false cheery demeanour. ‘Come on, you two,’ I say, clapping my hands to get their attention. ‘Time to go. Dad will be back soon.’

‘Aw, Mum…’ Josh looks around from where he’s lying on his tummy in front of the TV. ‘It’s only halfway through.’

‘It’s recorded,’ I remind him, my attention going to Holly, who’s curled up in the armchair, riveted to the screen, despite having taunted Josh on the way here, telling him Star Wars was for little kids. ‘If you both behave and get your skates on, we’ll stop off for takeaway on the way.’ I’m possibly overdoing the treats today, but cooking for four is not on my agenda tonight. A romantic meal for two and making love with my husband, however, definitely are.

‘Yay!’ Holly whoops, unfurling herself from the chair in a flash. ‘Pizza,’ she plumps for. ‘Triple pepperoni and cheese, stuffed crust.’

‘Epic meat feast.’ Josh scrambles up, the film forgotten in favour of his belly.

‘I bagsied first,’ says Holly.

‘You picked last time,’ Josh moans. ‘It’s my turn.’