There’s obvious relief around the table. The previous awkward topic of conversation is relegated to the past and Shaun turns back to Matt to resume their conversation about building, this time including Kate. I leave the room to get the casserole dish and more bread. I try to give myself a talking to about reining it in, but the wine is slowing down my thinking. I should have eaten some more food. In the kitchen, I tear off a piece of bread, shove it in my mouth and start chewing. But I’m pretty sure I’ve left it too late to soak up the three – or is it four? – glasses of wine I’ve already had. And I’m not sure I’m in any state to win the Morrises back around.

11

I return to the dining room and dish out second helpings of the main course for everyone except me, as I’ve barely touched my first helping. The atmosphere in the room feels a little strained and I have this swooping feeling in my stomach and a rising heat in my cheeks. I wish I’d never invited the Morrises round. What was I thinking? Either they took Holly and their playing some horrible mind games with me, or they didn’t take Holly and they think I’m a crazy person.

‘I checked on the kids,’ I say. ‘They’ve demolished the pizza and ice creams – now they’re laughing their heads off at the movie.’

‘That’s good,’ Kate replies, nodding a little too much.

‘What are you guys up to for Christmas?’ Matt asks.

‘Not too much.’ Kate pushes her plate away. She’s barely touched her second helping. ‘I think we’ll just be having a quiet one.’

‘Same here,’ Matt says. ‘It’ll just be the four of us. We’ll go to my mum’s on New Year’s Day, but she’s spending Christmas Day with my brother in Devon.’

‘I’m actually not feeling too well,’ Kate says, holding her stomach.

‘Oh no, I hope it wasn’t anything you ate!’ I’m mortified by the thought I’ve given everyone food poisoning. But I can’t think how – the meal was freshly cooked. ‘Does everyone else feel okay?’

Matt and Shaun nod. And there’s nothing wrong with my stomach, apart from an anxious swirl of emotions that’s been there for days.

‘I think I might need to go home.’ Kate gets to her feet. Her lips are pressed tightly together. I try to catch her eye to give her a sympathetic smile, but her head is bowed, and it feels as though she’s purposely avoiding eye contact.

‘Of course,’ Matt says. ‘Let me get your coats.’

Kate really doesn’t look well. The colour has completely drained from her face and she’s holding onto the back of her chair as though for support. ‘We’ll take the children home too, I think.’