Hi Nick, are you able to pop around tonight please and discuss the house? I’ve been thinking hard about the situation and as it’s taking so long, I have a proposition for you. Let me know if you’re free. Amber x

My hands are clammy. What about the fact this place in Eastbourne is only temporary? Richard’s friend will come back after a year – and I’m sure that year will fly by. Then what? If mine or Richard’s houses still haven’t sold, that leaves me and the boys up the proverbial creek.

‘Whatever is the matter, Amber?’ Olive’s voice penetrates my thoughts. ‘You look like a madwoman, rocking back and forth.’

I hadn’t realised I was doing that. I’ve got my head in my hands and I am rocking in my chair.

‘I think I’m losing the plot, Olive. My head’s filled with unhelpful thoughts, reasons I should stay, reasons I should go. I was so certain I knew what I wanted. Now … why am I questioning everything?’ I choke back tears.

‘They don’t say moving house is the most stressful life event for nothing, you know? And you’re not only doing that, but you’re divorcing too. That’s two major things going on for you. Then there’s changing jobs …’ She gives me a sad smile.

‘God. You’re right, I know. It’s all happening at once for me. I suppose I wasn’t going to make it through without losing some of my hair – or my marbles – was I?’ I try to laugh, but my throat constricts, trapping the sound in my voice box. Olive makes a very good point. All this time I’ve been attempting to muddle through, keeping a brave face, making the decisions that I felt were the right ones, and with no regard to the psychological aspect – the impact this would all have on me. I thought I had everything figured out – my future mapped out ahead of me.

‘I think you need to slow down. It might be a good thing the house hasn’t sold, Amber. I’m not sure you’re actually ready …’

Olive’s remark irks me. Deep down, though, perhaps she’s right. A year isn’t that long. I’ve had the initial shock of a broken marriage to contend with, followed, quite quickly, by a new relationship – a long-distance one at that – and a house going on the market. My paranoia about the thirteenth viewer, my suspicion of Barb somehow sabotaging the sale, Carl being dodgy, the strange goings-on in the house – what if it’s all in my mind?

All brought on by the stress?

I suddenly feel unsure about everything.

‘I’ll take a step back,’ I tell Olive. ‘Work out what I really want.’

‘Why don’t you take the week’s annual leave you’re due? Relax. Do something for you.’