‘I think it’s important that we all make the effort,’ Faith replied as Nick drove into Ivy Farm Court car park. April’s Corsa was in front of Tara’s shop. ‘And I was wondering if you might do me a small favour.’

Nick killed the engine and the internal lights lit up his face as he turned towards her. Faith was dazzled by his violet eyes. They were incredibly trusting. ‘Anything,’ he said.

‘I need your help persuading April to come to the Christmas party.’

9

The group took their positions in the circle and, in a repeat of previous meetings, April found herself by Tara’s side. She would have liked to be closer to Faith too, but they had become separated in the melee and she was on the opposite side of the circle, with Nick. April had seen them arrive together, and it was Nick who had made a beeline for her, hugging her like an old friend. He seemed about to ask her something when Justine closed down the chatter and corralled everyone into the meeting room.

‘No Iain again?’ Justine asked Tara.

‘I’m afraid not. We complete in less than two weeks and Iain’s making sure Lily’s involved in deciding what to bring with them and what to let go. As you can imagine, it’s been a long and painful process.’

‘The important thing is you’re here,’ Faith said. She turned to Justine expectantly.

‘Exactly,’ Justine agreed.

‘I hope you’ll be letting Iain out for the Christmas do,’ Steve said.

‘It’s literally four days before we move, and it did cross my mind that we should give it a miss.’ There were mutterings around the room until she added, ‘But we couldn’t let you lot down. We’ll both be there.’

‘Is Lily still finding it hard?’ asked Nadiya.

‘It hasn’t helped that her grandparents filled her head with all kinds of ridiculous ideas while she was away at half-term, like not being allowed to put up photos of her mum in the new house,’ Tara said with an uncharacteristic growl in her voice. ‘We’ve tried so hard to include her in every stage, but Joanna’s parents have reinforced her fears and she’s been having pretty bad nightmares. She’s not interested in planning her new bedroom, even though Molly gave up the biggest room just to please her. I don’t know what else we can do.’