‘What about Tara?’ asked Nadiya.

‘She’s asked me to pass on her apologies. The move went smoothly, but it’s going to take time for them to settle in.’

‘From the last message I had, they still had lots of unpacking to do,’ said April. ‘She mentioned they’d put up lots of family photos, but they’re still having a debate over where everything else should go.’ She missed Tara, but she was glad she wasn’t there. She didn’t need April adding to her woes.

‘Ah, they’ll be fine,’ said Steve.

‘I’m sure you’re right, but we shouldn’t expect too much of her in the coming months,’ Justine replied. ‘And I’m happy to muddle through on my own if you can all bear with me. I know I’m no Tara.’

‘You can say that again,’ Faith said under her breath as she joined the group.

She winked at April, who gave her a curious look. Faith’s hair was tousled rather than tamed, and her complexion was glowing. The most marked difference, however, was her demeanour. She appeared relaxed as she nodded hellos and took a seat in an empty section of the circle. No sooner had she dropped her bag on the floor than Nick made an appearance.

‘Sorry we’re late,’ he said, taking the seat next to Faith.

‘If Tara isn’t coming,’ Nadiya said, ‘perhaps you can pass on our appreciation. Here, there’s one for each of you.’ From a large shopping bag, she pulled out two identical gift bags. ‘Apologies for the wrapping, the kids insisted on helping.’

‘Oh, Nadiya, you shouldn’t have,’ Justine gushed.

‘They’re from all of us,’ she explained, having organised an impromptu collection at the Christmas party. ‘You both work so hard and the group wouldn’t exist without you.’

‘Both of you,’ Faith emphasised.

Justine’s eyes glistened. ‘Oh, I’ve taken as much from the group as I’ve put in over the last six years, and Tara would say the same.’

Faith rolled her eyes and nudged her shoulder against Nick’s. They looked exceptionally comfortable in each other’s company.

The last time April had seen Nick was when she had flirted with him at the Christmas party. The heat of embarrassment rose through her body as she returned to the moment she had realised Nick had set his sights elsewhere. April had assumed Faith would slap him down and she had felt sorry for Nick, but seeing them now, it was clear Faith was enjoying the attention. April’s embarrassment deepened when she recalled telling her friend to let him down gently. Faith was full of surprises.

‘Who wants to go first?’ Justine asked.

April made the mistake of lowering her head, immediately drawing Justine’s attention.

‘Are you OK, April?’

‘I’ve had better weeks,’ she admitted.