The first years were good, but after we married, his obsession with his job and the long shifts began to alter our relationship, particularly once Finley was born. Then when Leo came along, tiredness, stress and lonely hours came between us. Maybe I was too needy – always wanting and expecting more of Nick. Somehow, somewhere, we lost our connection; the love dwindled, and his dark moods became more frequent. He seemed to be chasing something, a missing part of his life. A gap I wasn’t good enough to fill. And then, of course, came the other woman. The police sergeant who was suddenly the one he confided in because he spent more time at the station than at home. The beginning of the end. I went through a tough time, and Jo was privy to my struggles. She was the one to pick me up.

Jo’s always had my back, has done from day one of secondary school. That first day when I was being bullied by the older girls, she’d rocked up and given them what-for and from that moment on I knew I had a friend for life. We’d gone our separate ways following college – she moved away and later met Keeley. After marrying her in a civil ceremony in 2008, they’d come back to Devon and I was thrilled they chose to live in Stockwood. But while I loved her choice of partner, Jo had never really taken to Nick. As one of my oldest friends, though, she’d tried her best to put her own feelings about him aside for my sake. Until I announced the split. Then he became fair game.

I sit with Jo and Keeley for just over an hour, the conversation eventually turning to Richard and how he’s so much better for me than Nick. My anxiety lowers as I talk about my new relationship. Jo says I’ve got a sparkle in my eyes and excitement in my voice when I’m speaking about him. And it’s true – the warm glow, the nervous tummy, the happiness that even thinking about him creates, is exciting. And all of it points to this being a good move for me.

On a brighter note than when I went in, I leave – my head a little woozy from the wine. It’s been good to get my frustration, and anger, off my chest before facing Barb. My emotions are in better check now.

Nick’s car isn’t outside the house. That’s good; I’ll have time to thoroughly compose myself. Although it is annoying that the later they are, the more difficult it’s going to be to settle the boys for bed. I don’t suppose Nick’s thought of that, seeing as it’s not him going to have to cope with them.

I’m almost through the front door when I hear Davina’s voice.

God, not now.