‘We haven’t got time for questions, Davina,’ I snap. Maybe it’s the stress of the situation, or maybe it’s a weirdly unexpected jealous reaction, but the words are out before I can self-regulate.

‘Oh, er … of course … so sorry,’ Davina mumbles. ‘Well, it’s nice to see you again, Nick. Enjoy your burger.’

I can hear the hurt in her voice; I daren’t look at her. I wish I hadn’t been so abrasive.

‘That was mean,’ Leo says under his breath. Three whispered words that make me feel terrible as well as extremely embarrassed that my six-year-old has been the one to call me out on my rudeness. I lean across Nick so I can catch Davina’s eye – she’s ducked down, her elbows leaning on the wound-down window, a look of dismay on her reddened face. ‘Davina,’ I say. And the next words are difficult to form, but I know it’s something I should do to rectify the poor behaviour I’ve just exhibited in front of my boys. ‘Fancy a coffee after I finish work tomorrow?’

For a split second, I think Davina has frozen; she doesn’t move, doesn’t even blink. Her hazel eyes are wide and staring. ‘Really?’ she finally responds. One word that she says in such a way that I feel like the worst person ever. The hope, excitement – and, I think, acceptance – is almost touching. She’s smiling like I’ve handed her the million-pound winning lottery ticket.

‘Yeah, it’ll be once I’ve picked the boys up …’

‘I would love to.’ She flashes us a wide grin and backs away from the car, all traces of her humiliation wiped clear.

I swear she’s still smiling even when we’re driving out of sight.

‘Well, haven’t you just made her day?’ Nick says, sarcastically.

‘It’s long overdue. Anyway, more to the point, tell me.’ I search his face for a hint of what he’s thinking.

‘Let’s talk more when we get home after Maccies,’ he says, before adding, ‘To yours.’

He’s making it sound as though there is something to talk about.

Did he find something?

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Amber