But she was pulled out of her secret little love cocoon one September night after work. Gareth had promised to make them a curry and do the washing-up if she bought all the ingredients. Letting herself into the door next to the launderette, a big smile on her face for several reasons, she hauled two carrier bags full of groceries up the stairs, calling out as she went.

‘Right, Metcalf! You ready to woo me with your vindaloo?’

But instead of answering her, Gareth was standing at the top of the stairs, still in his work overalls, his manner agitated and nervous. ‘We’ve got a visitor!’ he said with forced jollity. ‘Catrin’s here.’

Judith’s stomach flipped as reality came crashing into their private little world. She painted on a smile and headed to the kitchen. ‘Cat!’ she said, hoping she didn’t sound too false, and dropping the shopping on to the table, ready to hug her friend.

‘Where’ve you been, stranger?’ asked Cat, and over her shoulder Judith and Gareth exchanged glances. This was a close call.

‘Oh babe! I’m so sorry. I’ve been up to my eyes in work!’

She caught sight of the chalk message board hanging at the side of the fridge, blatantly emblazoned with Judith’s own handwriting: I completely adore you GM xxx see you tonight. As surreptitiously as she could, Judith headed towards it and subtly wiped the board with her sleeve. Whilst praying that Catrin didn’t notice.

‘I got your postcard from Cyprus,’ said Cat. ‘How brilliant that you went out there, Gar!’

‘Yes!’ said Judith and Gareth simultaneously, both desperate to sound normal and flatmatey.

‘You want some more tea, Cat?’ asked Gareth.

‘No, you’re OK. It’s only a flying visit. I’ve got a meeting with the florists. Honestly, the amount of organizing this wedding is taking is nuts.’

Judith was suddenly aware of her and Gareth’s body language. That they couldn’t be standing further apart if they tried.

‘Thing is, because you never got back to me …’

‘Sorry!’ sighed Judith.

‘… I’ve had to go ahead and organize my own hen party.’

‘Oh shit,’ said Judith. It was something that she and Lana had always said they’d sort out.

‘I think Larn’s been trying to get hold of you, y’know.’

‘Has she?’ said Judith, lying through her teeth. ‘Oh God, I’m useless. It’s just we … I was in Cyprus after my Civil Service exams, and then the promotion … Sorry.’

‘Nearly three months, Jude!’ said Catrin, but she couldn’t be cross if she tried. ‘Still, never mind,’ she went on. ‘Here’s the plan. I’m keeping it simple. Just you, me, Lana and my mum. She insisted, I’m afraid. And I’ve booked us into the Angel Hotel in Cardiff, afternoon tea, then a night out on the town – my mum has even said she’ll come to the Taurus Steakhouse and Kiwi’s!’

‘Wow.’ Judith stole a glance at Gareth, but his eyes were firmly fixed on Catrin, an unflinching smile on his face.