‘Er … yes! I know you’ve been off the scene for a bit, but how come you’ve missed all of that? It’s not like we live in a big village – it’s tiny, and everyone knows everyone. I don’t know, Louisa – sometimes you disappoint me.’ She shook her head. ‘And anyway, I thought we talked about this last time we had coffee?’

‘I don’t remember …’

‘Baby brain,’ Tiff mocked. ‘Anyway, how evil is that?’

This was Louisa’s chance to mention the text. But with Tiff’s obvious distaste for what Sarah had done, why then would she be doing the same to Louisa? Although, it was always easier to judge someone else’s actions rather than your own. And she may only be reacting to this because it was Sarah, not because she actually felt it was evil.

Louisa took a deep breath. ‘Yeah, that’s awful. Who would cheat with their best friend’s husband?’ She stared into Tiff’s deep-blue eyes, expecting to see a hint of guilt.

‘A bitch, Louisa. A total bitch, that’s who,’ Tiff said vehemently.

‘You’d never do that to me, would you?’

The burst of laughter made Louisa jump. For a moment she was puzzled – she hadn’t realised she’d said the words out loud, only thought them.

‘What? God, of course not. And, you know, it’s not as if Brian is my type.’ She threw her head back and carried on laughing.

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ Louisa put her mug down hard on the coaster. She’d managed to go from mistrust to indignation in a beat.

‘You’re serious,’ Tiff said. The laughter stopped, her smile disappearing. ‘I’m confused, Lou. What’s up with you?’

‘I’m sorry, I’m just hormonal. It’s nothing.’

‘No, go on. It’s obviously something or you wouldn’t be reacting in this way.’

‘I feel bad now. I – I shouldn’t have looked …’

‘Looked at what?’ A mask of concern darkened Tiff’s face. Louisa regretted saying anything, but now she’d come this far she may as well continue.

‘A text. On Brian’s phone. He’s been weird lately, acting suspiciously, on the bloody mobile all the time. All hush-hush stuff. I thought he must be having an affair …’ Louisa looked up at Tiff, her face stony. ‘Maybe it’s with Sarah.’ Louisa gave a nervous laugh. But it was too late to make jokes – Tiff knew what she was getting at.

‘No. Not Sarah. But not me either. Not anyone, Lou. He only loves you.’ Her voice was cool.

Louisa swallowed hard. ‘Why are you arranging to meet then? Friday, you said in the text.’

Tiff got up and walked around the kitchen island to Louisa.