What Abby quickly realises about Sienna is that she doesn’t have many friends. She knows a slew of people, and is outgoing and confident, yet, other than Greg, there doesn’t appear to be anyone who is a big part of her life, a permanent fixture. A person who will be there for her no matter what.

‘This really is a beautiful home,’ Sienna says one morning at Abby’s house.

It’s been a couple of months since the two of them first met, and each passing week has further cemented a bond between them. To Abby it feels natural and strong, like a plant that grows only in its own time, nothing forcing it, urging it on. It’s surprised Abby how much she has taken to Sienna, when she’d been convinced she wouldn’t meet anyone in London, at least until she started working. Even then it takes time to form attachments to work colleagues. This friendship – that’s what she now considers it – has grown so organically that she never stops to question just how little time they’ve actually known each other, how much more there is that they don’t know. It’s the biggest of clichés, but to Abby the feeling is there in her bones that they’ve known each other for years.

‘I’m sure it will be beautiful,’ Abby responds, ‘when you’ve finished with it!’ From the work Sienna has already done, Abby has the utmost confidence in her. Everything she’s suggested so far is perfect: a brightly coloured feature wall to contrast with more muted, paler tones; a mixture of old character decorative accessories alongside modern pieces. Most of it, Abby never would have thought of trying.

Sienna smiles. ‘Well, let’s just say you inspire me.’

Abby knows this can’t be true. Sienna’s natural confidence suggests she has no trouble finding inspiration from within.

‘Seriously – I mean it,’ Sienna continues. ‘People have a… let’s say, aura… that they project without even realising it, and it’s all around your home. This is a truly positive space and I love being here. It’s almost like… no, never mind.’

‘Go on, say it. You won’t offend me.’

‘Well, it’s almost like I can feel the love you and Rob have for each other. Does that sound cheesy?’

Abby laughs, even though what Sienna’s said surprises her. ‘Yes, definitely cheesy, but it’s nice too.’ Sienna has met Rob several times now, and they’ve spoken at length on those occasions. She is a master at getting people to open up, even someone as shy as Rob.

‘So is Rob on board with it all?’ Sienna asks.

‘With what?’ Rob stands in the doorway; neither woman has heard him come in. It’s only eleven a.m. and he should be at work.