A flash of heat spread up her neck as she scanned the familiar group of four, jostling in their chairs, swivelling towards Bryony, who had been disproportionately dividing her time between Laura and Mia for the last fortnight.

Her legs felt like jelly as she ducked back, out of their sight, but still she didn’t return to her desk. She hadn’t seen any of them in more than six months. There had been some contact since she’d left – they’d sent her a gorgeous bundle of baby clothes wrapped up in a blue bouquet. And in return she’d sent them a thank-you card with a picture of Bobby. But other than that? No communication. No return call from Tess Wills, who was now seated at the far end of the table, having clearly returned from holiday.

Laura had worked for Coopers from the outset, had spent so many nights poring over their briefs, working with the creative studio, giving up weekends when they needed revisions made by the following Monday. She hadn’t minded. In many ways she felt like she was part of their company, like she worked for them. They had told her that. What would we do without you, Laura?

She wouldn’t be able to walk past the boardroom now without being seen. Her only option was to slip back the way she’d come, hide, wait for them to disappear and hope to God they didn’t walk out and see her, and feel the need to come over and speak to her.

Laura closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the wall. Of course she had another option. She could pull herself together, plaster on a smile and walk into the boardroom as if she wasn’t remotely fazed by what had happened. Even as if she were completely on board with it. She could pretend it was under her control, though she had no idea how she could pull off that particular act when her breath was so tightly wedged in her throat. Laura had never been able to hide her emotions easily, but this was ridiculous. This was her domain. She needed to start fighting back.

Inhaling deeply, Laura walked to the doorway and stuck her head into the room. ‘Hi, guys, lovely to see you.’ The words tumbled out and she wasn’t even sure if they’d come in the right order, but all four members of the marketing team were now standing and telling her it was lovely to see her too.

‘Laura, oh my God, hi,’ they chorused, approaching her one by one. ‘How are you?’ ‘How’s the baby?’

‘Bobby’s great.’

‘I didn’t even realise you were back,’ one said, before the room fell into a momentary awkward silence.

‘Yes, I’ve been back for two weeks,’ Laura smiled. ‘Thank you all again for your gift,’ she added quickly. ‘It was gorgeous.’

‘Oh, a pleasure.’