Charlie beams from ear to ear as he takes the card from her. ‘Thanks, Jess. You’re the best. Do you want one of my Santa ones?’

‘No, that’s okay, I had one left over anyway.’

‘I thought we bought exactly the right amount?’ I query. Maybe she doesn’t want one of Charlie’s cards because she thinks they’re too babyish. ‘I’ve probably got one or two spares with Christmas trees on, if you like?’

‘No, it’s okay.’ Jess shakes her head and gets back to writing her cards. From the set of her shoulders, I can tell her fleeting good mood has evaporated.

‘Everything okay?’

She shrugs.

‘Jess?’

‘I’m not going to give Amy a card.’

‘You’re not?’

‘No. Because I don’t think she’s going to give one to me.’

‘You two still not talking?’

‘No. She’s best friends with Shayla now.’ She still hasn’t turned around to face me. Instead, she’s hunched over her cards.

‘Well, that’s okay. At least you’ve got lots of other friends. And they’re going to love your reindeer cards.’ I reach up into one of the cupboards for a jar of pasta sauce, wishing I could make things right between her and Amy. But it’s impossible.

The front door slams. Matt’s home. The kids slide off their stools and go into the hall to greet him. I suppose I could have a flaming row with him about how he went behind my back and spoke to Dee about Holly. I was furious with him earlier, but I don’t want an argument. In my heart of hearts I know Matt thought he was doing the right thing. I know he thought he was looking out for me.

I also wish I could tell him about mine and Kate’s encounter in the car park today. But then I’d have to explain about meeting Bella yesterday, and he wouldn’t understand. So instead, I’ll pretend everything’s perfectly okay and normal. This state of affairs would never normally happen. Usually Matt and I would tell one another about any strange happenings in our day. It feels so wrong to keep this from him. Uncomfortable. Like there’s a stone in my shoe that I’m not allowed to take out.

‘Hey, Rach.’ Matt comes into the kitchen with both children talking at him at the same time. Two entirely different conversations that he’s managing to follow perfectly.

‘Hi, Matt. Good day?’

‘Not bad.’