Lily flipped over on the sun lounger, so her back was to Esther. It was four o’ clock, and they had until six. Two more hours.

‘Are you okay, darling?’

‘I think I might be coming on, but otherwise all good, thanks,’ Lily murmured, picking the one lie that could never be challenged or found out.

‘Oh, but, sweetheart, why didn’t you say? No wonder you didn’t want to swim. I’ve got some paracetamol in here somewhere…’

Lily could hear her rummaging in her handbag. ‘It’s fine, Mum. I don’t need anything. My first day is always bad, isn’t it?’

‘Yes, it is.’

Lily heard the motherly softness in her tone; and when a hand arrived on her shoulder, giving a tender squeeze, her entire body flushed with shame.

‘I have loved every second of today, Lily, sweetheart. Both you and Dylan truly spoiled me this year, though goodness knows when I shall get around to his.’

Dylan again. It had been at least five minutes.

‘Maybe when he’s back.’ Her mother was sounding bleak, lost inside her own head again. ‘I can’t think what buying that list of adventures cost him.’

Lily tensed, while the hateful, unsayable observation – that her spa treat for two would outvalue Dylan’s thrill-seekers gift any day – stomped across her mind. ‘Do you know what, Mum?’ she said instead, as brightly as she could. ‘I think I’ll head back to the changing rooms, if you don’t mind. I’m actually getting a bit chilly.’

‘Of course, I don’t mind, darling.’

‘And I know I said we’d do the Jacuzzi, but…’ Lily faltered, guilt swamping her again.

‘That will be the last thing you’re in the mood for,’ her mother said stoutly. ‘Why don’t we just have a cup of tea instead? I’ll sort that, while you have a lovely warming shower.’

‘Great. Thanks, Mum.’ Lily, gathering her things, made a show of looking at her watch. ‘Actually, though, I might head off soon. Matteo needs the car tonight, and you know what the traffic will be like. But please stay, Mum, won’t you? Our time isn’t up until six.’ Lily hurried off towards the pool exit as fast as her complimentary towelling slip-ons would allow, managing to avoid protest, but fully aware of the gaze of puzzlement and concern boring into her back.