‘She picked the boys up from school today, without me asking, and without telling me. I was running late, but she wouldn’t have known that.’ I slide onto one of the bar stools next to the kitchen island. ‘She just took it upon herself to do it, and then … then, she got Nick to take them all to McDonald’s!’ I take a breath. ‘She got Finley to write me a note and stuff it in through the letterbox. I only just saw it.’

‘God, Amber. I’m sorry, mate. You don’t need the extra worry on top of the stress you already have in your life.’ Jo places an arm around my shoulders and gives me a squeeze.

‘Have you spoken to Barb or Nick yet?’ Keeley asks.

‘I left a shitty message on Barb’s phone before I realised where they were. I was a bit hasty. I’m sure that’ll cause an argument—’

‘Er … well that’s not your fault,’ Jo cuts in. ‘Your obstinate mother-in-law is to blame; she shouldn’t have taken them in the first place if it hadn’t been arranged. She of all people should know better, Amber. Don’t you dare make excuses for her or worry about the repercussions of your message. She needs to be worrying about the consequences of taking the boys without consent. And don’t get me started on Nick. Why didn’t he call you?’

‘I don’t know. Punishment, maybe?’ I take another gulp of wine, then reconsider my statement. He wouldn’t have been punishing me; it’s not his style. ‘Or, more likely, lack of thinking,’ I add quickly.

‘He’s a detective. Lack of thought isn’t one of his many faults.’ Jo purses her lips.

‘He hasn’t got that many faults, Jo.’ I find myself defending Nick because despite the separation, the reasons for it, we did have some very happy times. We’d bonded at a gig – a terrible rock tribute band – as we happened to be standing next to each other, both laughing at how bad they were. I’d looked up at him, his floppy dark hair and boyish good looks immediately causing my heart to skip. It was as though it was meant to be.