‘Fine. While I’m here, though, I’ll take my key, please.’ Although the locks are changed, I still want it back. I need to know it was at least in his possession.

‘Oh,’ Suzanne says, confusion now replacing her earlier look of dismay. ‘That’s strange – he said he’d given it back. Or, maybe I heard him wrong. He might’ve said he has it now ready to give to you at the close of business.’

I almost laugh.

‘Hmm. Well, can you please get Carl to give me a ring as soon as he’s back anyway. I have a horrible feeling he’s trying to avoid me.’ I turn to leave.

‘You’re not the only one.’

Suzanne says it under her breath as I’m walking away, but I catch it.

I’m uncertain how to take it, but don’t turn around again. Whatever is going on with Barb and Carl, I’m thinking Suzanne isn’t privy to it either.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Amber

I spent most of the afternoon at work in a fog not knowing if I was coming or going. I was so glad when two thirty rolled around as my mind couldn’t cope with everything rushing around inside it. I’d barely spoken a word to my colleagues, doing the bare minimum for the clients, with little chit-chat. Good job there’s no customer satisfaction survey going on right now. On the drive home I call Richard. I need a nice distraction, so I don’t end up crashing the car. I turn the volume of the phone up and relax when I hear his deep, soothing voice booming from the speaker.

‘Hi, babe. I haven’t got long, I’m afraid …’

‘That’s okay – neither have I, really. Just on my way to pick the boys up. I only wanted to hear your voice,’ I say, my own thick with the threat of tears.

‘What’s happened? Are you all right? You sound like you’re crying.’ His concern is audible, and if I’m honest, brings a certain relief. The fact I’ve not seen him for a few weeks has been getting to me. I’m missing him so much, and with the move taking longer than I’d hoped, I’m fearing my obvious frustration has impacted our relationship negatively.

I try to keep my tone even; measured. ‘I have had some issues, Richard. There’s so much going on and I feel I’m going through them alone. I miss you.’ I add the last part as I don’t want him to think I’m having a go at him for not being by my side.

‘I miss you, too. It’s been torture not seeing you for this long. I’m so sorry things have been difficult for you. Not long now, my love – you’ll be out of it soon.’