‘Nonsense,’ Faith said. ‘Start as you mean to go on. I’ve already had a couple of sly glasses at home.’

‘Sorry, Faith,’ Iain said, noticing she didn’t have a drink in her hand. ‘Can I get you something?’

‘You stay there. I’ll go,’ she insisted.

Faith was turning away when April caught a glimpse of Nick pushing his way through the throng. When he caught her eye, he looked pleased to see her. He wasn’t necessarily April’s type, but in his favour, he was nothing like Jason. Nick was older, taller, and darker, and it didn’t matter that there had been no immediate chemistry. Nick’s greatest appeal was that he had shown an interest in her. He had wanted her to be here tonight, and April’s pulse raced as he drew closer. One kiss. That was all she was after.

‘Hello, everyone,’ he said. ‘Looks like we’re in for a good night.’

Tara and Iain raised their glasses in welcome, but Nick appeared more interested in April. His now familiar aftershave grew stronger as he leant over her. She closed her eyes and lifted her cheek, but the kiss never came. Her eyes fluttered open in surprise and embarrassment. Nick was reaching past her to grab hold of Faith’s shoulder before she could slip away.

‘Here, do you want to be in charge of this?’ he said, offering her a cloakroom ticket.

When Faith took it, Tara asked, ‘Did you two come together?’

‘It didn’t make sense booking two taxis when we live so close,’ replied Nick.

Faith shrugged. ‘I’m off to the bar. Did you want another red wine, Nick?’

‘Actually, I might switch to pints for now,’ he said. ‘And I’ll get them. You stay here.’

‘No, you stay here,’ Faith replied brusquely. Nick had yet to learn that no one told Faith what to do. ‘Tell April how beautiful she looks.’

April took another swig of her gin. ‘Sorry about that,’ she said after watching Faith part the crowd to reach the bar.

‘No, I’m suitably chastised. You do look beautiful,’ Nick told her as he kissed her cheek. ‘I hope you’re glad you came.’

‘Ask me at the end of the night,’ April said.

The group had been allocated one long table, and when they entered the dining room, April held back, positioning herself close to Nick while Justine took out what appeared to be a seating plan from her clutch bag. When Tara made a tactical move to distract her, there was a bit of a scrum as everyone grabbed their seats. April was edged towards the end of the table opposite Jodie and Iain. She intended Nick to have the spare seat next to her, but he insisted Tara take it.