‘Not yet,’ I reply. ‘I’m just trying to figure out the best way of putting it. She’ll be far from pleased, I do know that. They’ve designed the posters and programme and planned the exhibition space. Then there’s all the time they’ve spent on our meetings – it’s been a complete waste of time for everyone, and they’re stretched and understaffed as it is. And the worst thing is, Hannah assumed that Penny was on board by now, that she knew all about it and was fully supportive. And I didn’t put her right on that. I just let her think it, Nick. She’ll be livid …’

‘I’m sure she won’t—’

‘It was only Isla who knew we hadn’t told her yet. I haven’t even called her, either, and she’s one of my closest friends. I feel such an idiot.’

He clears his throat. I didn’t mean to blurt out all of that, but I couldn’t help myself. ‘Is there anything I can do? I mean … could I call anyone?’

‘No, don’t do that!’ I bark at him. ‘Please don’t call anyone. I’ll do it—’

‘Well, look …’ He pauses, and I hear him exhale. ‘I don’t think you should phone anyone just yet.’

I pace across the kitchen, kicking one of my discarded trainers out of the way. ‘Well, I’ll have to soon. I can’t keep them hanging on. The sooner they know, the better, really. Press releases have gone out already so that’s going to be embarrassing for them – publicising something that’s not even going to be happening. And we were due to roll out all the online publicity this weekend. So I really do need to call Hannah today …’

‘Viv, please,’ Nick says firmly. ‘Just hang on for a little while—’

‘Stop telling me what to do,’ I snap, regretting it immediately.

‘I’m not,’ he says levelly. ‘I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant … maybe it’s best not to do anything yet, okay?’

I open the back door and step out into the garden, inhaling lungfuls of cool, crisp air. The sky is pale blue, the air sharp and wintry. It’s the kind of morning I love, usually: the sort that makes you feel alive. But it doesn’t today. Instead, I shiver in my thin sweater and skirt, and head straight back inside.

‘Can I come over?’ Nick asks. ‘Please, Viv. I’d just like to see you so we can talk about stuff.’

‘There’s not much to talk about really,’ I mutter.

‘Come on, I won’t keep you long. I can be over in a few minutes …’

‘All right then,’ I say huffily, knowing I’m coming across like a grumpy child. ‘But I’m sorry, I don’t think I’m going to be exactly sparkling company today.’