I haven’t ever described him as enigmatic to Barb; I can’t imagine where she’s picked that up from. ‘Oh, a while, I expect, Barb. He’s ever so patient – and he wants to ensure both Nick and you are ready to move forwards before he meets you both.’

‘Are you sure that’s his reason? Not a cop-out is it?’

‘No, Barb. It’s not. He’s also got an ex, so he completely understands the requirement for being … respectful. And treading carefully. He doesn’t want the boys to feel their father is being replaced—’

‘I should jolly well hope not! Nick is the most important man in their lives, no … no … online stranger is going to take his place.’ The force of Barb’s words have turned her face a shade of beetroot red. I’ve clearly hit a nerve.

‘As I say, Richard is very thoughtful. Don’t worry, Barb, he’s in no way a substitute for your son.’

As I say this, my own face flushes with the realisation of its meaning. I’m basically saying Richard isn’t replacing Nick in my eyes either. I’ve unintentionally given Barb something to support her case. She doesn’t jump on it, though, as I expect her to. She sits, silently staring at her tea, a melancholy, faraway look on her face.

I suddenly feel sorry for her. I didn’t intend to break the family up, and I don’t suppose Nick did either – despite his actions suggesting otherwise. We never meant to cause distress to Barb. She can be exasperating, yes. And I now know her to be sneaky as well. But she loves her family; would do anything to make them happy. I’d do the same. We’re both just mothers, doing what we think is best for our children.

I get up and walk to Barb’s side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and giving her a squeeze. ‘I’ll do my best, you know, Barb. For the boys’ sake, I’ll make sure I don’t fuck this up.’

Barb stiffens. My choice of language wasn’t to her liking. But I don’t let her go, and soon her muscles relax under my arm.

‘It hurts me so much when Nick hurts. And he is hurting, Amber. However he might appear to you – he’s holding it all in, you see. It’s a trait of his; he’s always done it. But after Tim, then his dad, it got worse. He let things build up and build up. Until there was no room for all the things worrying him in his body anymore. Then, they exploded out of him like an erupting volcano,’ Barb says with a sad smile. ‘But he has never hurt a soul. He’d hurt himself before inflicting any pain on someone else.’

I let Barb talk on. She’s right, on the whole.