‘I’ll get it sorted,’ I assure him. I’m not quite sure how, conjuring trained staff out of the ether not being one of my skills. I usually manage it though, with a bit of rejiggling and sweet-talking.

‘Thanks, Karla. I really don’t know what this place would do without you.’ John smiles, relieved. ‘I’ll get us a coffee, and then I’ll get on with that report for the board meeting tonight. We’re discussing funding. It’s going to be a long one.’

‘Black, no sugar,’ I call after him, as he heads out. ‘I’m on a diet.’ Again. I sigh inwardly and then renew my resolve. No more half-hearted attempts, I tell myself firmly. I am reassured, after the compliments he paid me, that Jason does still find me attractive, but I really can’t use the fact that I’ve given birth twice as an excuse for carrying extra pounds any more.

‘You don’t need to diet,’ John shouts back, which does my ego no harm.

Smiling, I go back to my pile of post. John is all right. I would much rather be doing what I’d had my heart set on what seems like a lifetime ago now – learning my lines for some magical stage play – but if I have to work in an office, there are much worse places.

Twenty minutes later, the post sorted and delivered to the various departments, I collect the files and tapes and head to the admin assistants’ office, knocking before going in, which I’ve learned earns the women’s respect.

‘Right,’ I say, wearing my stern look, which they can see straight through, ‘whoever forgot to do the post this morning gets to make the coffee today.’

‘That will be Lucy.’ Our senior assistant, Zoe, nods across to Lucy with a grin. ‘She’s a bit distracted. New boyfriend,’ she mouths conspiratorially in my direction.

‘Ah.’ Glancing knowingly in Lucy’s direction, I head over to Zoe’s desk with the files. ‘I remember it well,’ I say, smiling indulgently.

‘Ooh.’ Yasmin makes wide eyes at me from across the room. ‘Come on, give us the goss. That husband of yours is hot.’

‘Most definitely,’ I concur. With his dark, moody good looks, Jason definitely qualifies as hot. I don’t give them the goss, obviously, just enough carefully embroidered detail to assure them all is right in our marriage. Aware that Jason and I have had some problems – I’ve shared on occasion, empathising perhaps when someone has been struggling with a relationship – the girls are pleased for me. We’re not all besties – the age gap and the fact that I’m their superior doesn’t allow it – but we are friends, and I value that. It’s nice to be able to chat about things other than work. Plus, having a good relationship with the women makes my job so much easier.