‘Nothing,’ Naomi replies, ‘although … I did see on Facebook that Tracy is expecting.’ Her face crumples slightly and I shift out of the chair, reaching forward to hug her.

‘The bastard,’ I say, letting her lean against me even though it is awkward to hold the baby and comfort her at the same time. Jason left Naomi for Tracy, after Naomi discovered she couldn’t conceive, and then it was my turn to be there for Naomi. To listen as she vented, to mop up her tears, to make sure she was eating enough to soak up the wine we drank together, and then to make sure she didn’t text him while she was drunk. Now every time I think Naomi is managing to get herself together, something else happens to knock her back.

‘No, he’s not.’ Naomi sits up and wipes her eyes on the sleeve of her cardigan. ‘He’s moving on, it’s me that needs to sort myself out. Why am I even bothered? I have you and Rav and the kids … I don’t need him. Let’s not talk about it anymore.’ She blinks again, sliding a finger under one eye to catch an errant tear.

The baby shouts a shrill, brief cry and I sink back into the chair and pull up my top. ‘He’s the one who missed out. The right guy is out there for you, we just need to find him. Did you try that new dating website Rav mentioned?’

‘Ugh, not yet. I can’t face it. I just want what you guys have – is that too much to ask for?’

‘What – no sleep, Rav farting next to you all night and Avó telling you regularly how you’re doing everything wrong?’

‘Exactly that.’ Naomi laughs, but her face is pinched, her smile not meeting her eyes. ‘I should probably leave you to it. Do you need anything before I go? What time are you expecting Rav home?’

‘Oh, who knows?’ I say, as the baby begins to feed hungrily. ‘He’s said every night this week that he’ll try and be back for Mina’s bath, but he hasn’t.’

I half hope that she’s going to offer to stay until Rav arrives home but then she says, ‘I better get off.’ Naomi flicks her wrist to check her watch. ‘Are you feeling a bit better now?’

‘Much.’ I smile at her gratefully, and I do feel better, a little less fuzzy anyway. Maybe all I needed was to catch up on some sleep. ‘Thank you for watching the children.’

‘I can come again tomorrow, if you like?’ Naomi reaches out a hand and smooths the baby’s head as he feeds. ‘He was an angel. They both were.’

‘Oh no, it’s fine, honestly. You must be busy at the shop. All those weddings coming up. I wish I was there to help you.’