Clio shook her head. ‘No. I haven’t got a clue. When I arrived this morning I was sure that this was the right street but now I’m totally confused. I know we definitely came to Whitley Bay once. We generally went away to the south of France or sometimes to Barbados, so coming here kind of stood out because . . .’ She stopped mid-sentence, her cheeks colouring again. She certainly had a talent for putting her foot in it.

‘Because Whitley Bay is such a crap place next to the Caribbean?’ I suggested.

‘I was thinking more that it was different to what we usually did,’ clarified Clio with the skill of a diplomat, ‘and so more memorable.’

Her little faux pas didn’t bother me. It was obvious that Whitley Bay would be a bit of a let-down after Barbados.

‘Anyway, I just woke up this morning and thought I’d come and try to find it,’ Clio finished.

‘Fair enough,’ I said. ‘Shame you’ve had no luck. Have you come far?’

Clio shook her head. ‘Not really. I live in Hartsford. Do you know it?’

I’d never heard of it. What with work and the kids I barely ever got out of town. A day out was usually a trip to the MetroCentre or into Newcastle.

‘It’s a little village just west of Morpeth,’ Clio explained, but I was no wiser.

I took a mouthful of my wine which somehow drained my glass. I poured myself another, offering Clio the bottle.

‘I really shouldn’t,’ said Clio, but she held her glass out nonetheless and I topped it up. I got the impression that she wanted to talk but was reluctant to do so in front of the kids, and I fancied a bit of adult chat.

‘Right then, Noah,’ I said. ‘It’s your bedtime. Run him a bath, would you, Poppy?’

I worried that Poppy might object and make a scene, but she just unfurled herself from the chair and pounced on Noah, making him squeal.

‘I’ll be up in a minute,’ I called out as Poppy chased the squeaking Noah up the stairs.

‘They’re lovely children,’ said Clio.

‘Oh, they have their moments, believe me,’ I said, but a little torch of pride burned inside me. They were lovely and I could take all the credit for that. ‘Do you have kids?’

Clio shook her head. ‘I’m not married. Not really found anyone that would have me,’ she said with a sad little smile. ‘I would like children, though. One day, hopefully.’