Angie nodded. ‘Oh yes, I know all about that.’

‘You do?’

Angie laughed at Sophie’s obvious surprise. ‘Of course. I see these young hotshot solicitors joining the firm, willing to work every hour God sends and absolutely determined to be made partner, already planning to run before they can walk. And I just think, Christ, all I want to do is go home and have a glass of wine in the bath.’

Sophie grinned as she took a gulp of tea. ‘I can relate. I get these email alerts where editors tell writers what topics they’re looking to cover and it’s all vaginal steaming and breadcrumbing. I honestly thought that was something to do with baking at first. These twenty-somethings think all you need is a laptop and a blog to be a writer. And I want to judge them but they have, like, a hundred thousand Instagram followers and I have twenty-three. So, who has the power really, them or me? I feel like my trade is dying – or at least my career is – and I’m not sure I even care anymore.’

Angie looked like she was about to say something but before she got a chance, the bifold patio doors opened and four children piled in.

‘Mum, we’re going to hang out in the den,’ Ellie said. ‘Can Tom and Katie stay for dinner?’

Sophie was about to protest but Angie nodded and replied, ‘Sure.’ She looked at Sophie. ‘It’ll just be fish fingers and potato waffles but they’re welcome to stay.’

Sophie looked at her children’s expectant faces. She was worried about overstaying their welcome or putting Angie out, but she’d actually been having a surprisingly good time chatting with her and it seemed no one was ready to go home just yet.

‘Go on then,’ she replied. ‘As long as it’s okay with Angie.’ The children whooped and ran off to the den and Sophie smiled at Angie. ‘Thank you, it’s really kind of you.’

‘It’s nice to have a playdate actually,’ Angie said. ‘Normally I’m working so the children go to after-school clubs. But I was in court this morning and didn’t have much on this afternoon, so I picked them up early. I’m sure one of those young trainees is already eyeing up my desk.’

‘We’re often around after school so any time you find yourself at home early again do pop over,’ Sophie said. Then she added, ‘Actually we’re having an Easter party at ours on Saturday. Nothing fancy, just an egg hunt for the children and a couple of beers for the parents. Would you like to come? It’ll be a chance to meet some of the other parents from school.’

‘We’d love to,’ Angie replied with what seemed like genuine enthusiasm. ‘Thank you.’

Alan was already back from work by the time they got home. Tom and Katie, who were still overexcited, jumped on him and started regaling him with stories about their new best friends.