‘It’s a pleasure. Ian works away a lot so it’s nice to have the company. I hope I haven’t interrupted any family time.’

Claire thought of Chris at the dining table, hunched over his laptop and Joshua, still asleep when she left.

‘No, not at all,’ said Claire. ‘Oh, this looks lovely,’ she added catching sight of the dining table. ‘Croissants, fruit salad, pancakes… Where do you find the time?’

‘Well, weekdays are so busy – trust me – it’s literally a bowl of cereal shoved down Luke’s throat, so I do try and make a bit of an effort on the weekends,’ replied Linda.

‘Well, it looks great.’

‘Thanks – sit down and I’ll get you some coffee,’ said Linda, before walking through to what Claire guessed was the playroom.

‘Boys! Are you hungry?’ Linda’s question was answered by a thunder of footsteps as the boys ran into the kitchen. Claire hoped Jamie wasn’t going to be difficult about the food. He could be a fussy eater when he felt like it.

‘Jamie,’ coaxed Claire. ‘Come and look at this spread! There’s even pancakes!’

Jamie peered cautiously over the table before tentatively raising a hand to touch the food. Claire knew it could go either way. He would either eat everything or refuse to even sit at the table.

‘Why don’t you come and sit next to me and then you can see everything?’ added Claire temptingly. She picked up a strawberry and popped it in her mouth, looking anywhere except at her son in order to give the impression that she really didn’t care either way whether he sat down or not. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jamie clamber up on to the chair and Claire silently congratulated herself.

‘Boys, would you like some orange juice?’ asked Linda.

‘Yes please, Mummy,’ replied Luke.

‘Jamie, would you like some juice as well?’ prodded Claire.

‘Yes, please,’ he said.

Claire was impressed. She had been working on getting Jamie to say please and thank you since what seemed like forever.

‘Right then,’ said Linda, bringing the drinks, including Claire’s coffee, and sitting at the table. ‘I think we’re all set. Tuck in, everyone.’

Everyone started eating, even Jamie, and after a few mouthfuls Claire could see why. The food was delicious.

‘So, how have your first few weeks back at work been?’ asked Linda.

‘It’s been great,’ said Claire, automatically. She paused. ‘For the most part anyway – you know how it is!’

‘I do indeed,’ replied Linda ruefully. ‘It’s exhausting sometimes, isn’t it, trying to be everything to everybody.’ Linda leant in conspiratorially, keeping her voice low so the boys couldn’t hear although they were so engrossed with their sword fight using their forks that Claire doubted they were paying any attention. ‘And you know what, I’m actually glad sometimes that Ian does work away so much.’