‘Okay, then.’ She lifted her glass to her mouth, feeling the bubbles of the Prosecco pop faintly against her chin. And when Angel appeared in the doorway, she added, ‘And here’s the thoughtful lady who’s responsible for our night of luxury.’

‘There’s a spa there, Mum, and a Michelin-star restaurant.’

‘I don’t go for all that overpriced Michelin nonsense.’ Ursula wrinkled her nose. ‘Give me chicken-in-a-basket any day.’

‘I think it’s a lovely gesture, Angel,’ said Sasha. ‘Very thoughtful.’

Angel nodded at the glass in Sasha’s hand. ‘Can I have one?’

‘No, you can’t,’ Sasha told her sweetly.

‘I’ve had a lot worse than a piddling little glass of wine.’ Her daughter rolled her eyes. ‘Me and my squad have drunk all sorts.’

‘Good for you,’ said Alec, lifting his can in salute.

‘There’s lemonade in the fridge,’ said Sasha, refusing to rise to the bait.

Her daughter’s fingers danced over the screen of her phone and then a text whooshed away. ‘I’m going out anyway.’

‘Where?’

‘To Gabby’s.’

‘Text me when you get there and when you’re coming home. Dad will pick you up.’

Kev, who was about to drink his second Prosecco, put the glass down on the counter. ‘Of course I will.’

‘Okay,’ said Angel, and turned away.

‘Angel,’ said Sasha, concerned. ‘When we’re away tomorrow night, you’re not going to sneak off somewhere, are you?’

‘Course I’m not.’ Her daughter looked outraged. ‘I’m going to be right here. On Nan’s life, I will.’

‘Oh.’ Ursula pressed a hand to her chest, as if someone had walked over her grave. ‘I’m not sure I like the sound of that.’

‘Denny’s going for a sleepover at one of his mates, so it’ll be good for her to spend an evening on her own,’ said Sasha when Angel left the room. ‘After what happened.’

‘We’re just down the road if she needs us,’ Ursula said. ‘So you don’t have to worry. We’ll come by earlier in the evening, just to make sure she’s okay, and drop off some treats, won’t we, Alec?’

‘Oh, yes,’ said Alec, who didn’t look hugely thrilled at the prospect.

‘Don’t worry about that,’ said Sasha, who didn’t want her daughter to think she was under surveillance.

‘How is she?’ asked Alec, as they heard the front door slam.

‘She’s good, Dad, she’s getting more confident every day, as you can see. Again, thank you both for helping her pay for the hotel, it’s very kind of you.’

‘We know how hard you both work, particularly you, Sasha.’ Ursula glanced with disapproval at Kev. ‘Things have been chaotic around here recently. It’s the least you deserve… the both of you.’