‘But that’s about it in terms of school friends. I don’t think you’d know anyone else there. It’s mainly Toby’s friends and family.’

‘Oh, that doesn’t matter. Lou, Danny and Will were always good for a laugh.’

I try to summon up the willpower to resist. But it’s no good. I scream inwardly as I say the words, ‘You know, you’re very welcome to come, if you’re still here by then.’ Please say no. Please say no.

‘Oh, you’re so sweet, but my boyfriend’s down too so I couldn’t very well leave him with Mum and Dad while I go off to a party.’

‘Oh that’s a shame,’ I reply, hoping that puts an end to it.

‘Unless he could come too?’

My heart drops down to my shoes. ‘Um, yes, numbers are a bit tight, but I guess that would be okay.’

‘You’re sure?’

‘I wouldn’t have offered otherwise.’ Although she made it impossible for me not to offer without being rude.

She claps her hands excitedly. ‘You’ll love Lyle – he’s so hilarious. Honestly, he’s the life and soul of the party. I can’t wait to show him the Regis – he’s American and goes nuts over old buildings. It’s going to be so fun. I picked the best time to come home for a visit, didn’t I?’ She sighs. ‘I still can’t believe you’re married and a mum and everything. Our lives are so different. You’re a proper grown-up.’

‘Did you never meet anyone you wanted to settle down with?’

‘No way.’ She grins. ‘I’ve had a few marriage proposals in my time, but I can’t be doing with all that drudge and domesticity. I’m a career girl and I love my social life too much to give it up.’

‘It’s just…’ I tail off.

‘Just what?’

‘Well, I remember when we were younger, talking about how we wanted our wedding days to be, and you always talked about having the biggest, flashiest wedding day ever.’

Cassie snorts. ‘Yes, I did, didn’t I? I think I just liked the idea of a party where I was the centre of attention.’

I catch her eye in the mirror and we laugh.

‘Did you enjoy your wedding day?’ Cassie tilts her head and gives me an odd look.

I straighten her up again and start snipping at her fringe. ‘If I’m honest, the whole thing went by in a bit of a blur.’

‘Yeah, you did look a bit spaced out.’

‘Thanks a lot!’

‘No, I just meant—’

‘It’s fine, you’re right. I found out later that I was pregnant at the time. Which explains why I felt so out of it. I actually fainted before the ceremony.’

‘You didn’t!’ Cassie’s mouth drops open.