The rest of my shift at the café went much better than this morning’s debacle – I’m still cringing at the embarrassment of it – but then it couldn’t really have gone much worse. I managed to pick up all Dee’s supplies from the cash and carry and made it back way before the lunchtime rush. After things quietened down again, Dee and I sat and worked out my new hours, and we also said we’d try to meet up for a drink next week. Chrissie, who was there this morning, might come too. I’m quite looking forward to it. It’s been a while since I’ve socialised, other than snatched conversations outside school.

I arrive just as the caretaker is unlocking the gates. I usually chat to one or other of the mums or dads – most of them are lovely and we’ve all known one another since our kids were in pre-school. But today I purposely avoid eye contact with anyone, as I don’t want to get embroiled in conversation in case I miss Kate. I needn’t have worried. The moment I step into the playground, I hear my name being spoken and I turn to see her, her smile even friendlier than I remember. I smile back, relieved. I think I had convinced myself that she wouldn’t want to chat to me again after yesterday. That maybe she’d think I was strange for staring at Bella. But perhaps that’s simply me being paranoid. Maybe she didn’t notice anything amiss after all. Or maybe she noticed everything.

‘Kate, hi! How are you?’ I flatten my smile, realising I need to tone it down a bit.

‘Good, thanks. Amy couldn’t stop talking about Jess last night.’

‘Ah, that’s great. Jess said she thought Amy was going to be her new best friend.’

‘That’s so sweet. Love your coat by the way.’

I feign nonchalance. ‘Oh, thanks.’

As we talk, I find myself examining Kate’s every inflection and expression. Every hand gesture and hair toss. Wondering if there’s anything I’m not picking up on. But she seems genuine enough. I want to ask about Bella, but I can’t seem too eager. I have to play it cool.

‘So I was wondering if you’d all like to come back to mine tomorrow after school. The kids can hang out while we natter.’

Kate re-knots her floral scarf. ‘We’d love to. Thanks, Rachel. I can’t tell you how nice it is to be made to feel so welcome.’ Unless I’m mistaken, I’m sure I heard a little crack in her voice. As if she’s getting a bit emotional.

‘It’s my pleasure. I’ll arrange a get-together with some of the other mums too, so you can meet some more people.’

‘You’re an angel.’