Saturday morning came around quickly and I had a cursory tidy-up, although I knew Reggie wouldn’t be fussed. We had shared a flat for over three years and she’d always been very casual about housework. I suspected Akhmad would probably have employed a cleaner for her. Maybe it was a reaction to having to care for my mum when I was young, but I loathed housework myself. I did what was necessary – most of the time, anyway – but I wasn’t really house-proud. Thankfully Jack didn’t seem to mind.

Kenny and his boys were still working on the roof and were round at the back of the property, but Jack had gone into work for the morning, so I was looking forward to having a good girlie natter. Remembering Reggie’s allergy, I had put Jobie on his long lead and tied him to a fence post in the back garden, leaving him a big bowl of water by the door. He looked up at me dejectedly and I felt guilty.

A sleek red Audi convertible pulled up on the road and Reggie stepped out, all sunglasses and heels, her hair tied back with a multicoloured bandana, wearing cropped navy trousers and an ivory silk blouse. She was swinging a massive gift bag as she sauntered up the path. I rolled my eyes. She just had to make an entrance wherever she went.

I greeted her at the door and she gave me a huge grin. We shared a hug and I noticed her wince a little.

‘Are you okay?’ I asked.

‘Oh, I’m fine; overdid it at the gym yesterday and my muscles are a bit sore, that’s all.’

I heard a wolf whistle from above and looked up to see Kenny staring down.

‘Morning!’ He flashed her an enormous grin and she waved back flirtatiously. I couldn’t help but smile.

‘You’d better come in before he falls off the roof.’

Her familiar perfume filled the air as she stepped into the hallway.

‘How are you, hon? It’s been too long. And just look at you – all mumsy! The bump really suits you.’

‘Hmm – I’m not too sure about that. But I’m good, thanks. No more morning sickness, so touch wood it’s all going well; at the moment, anyway. I feel like a blob. How about you? You’re looking great. Love the motor, by the way.’

‘Oh yeah, a present from Akhmad. He likes to splash the cash. But then, he’s got plenty of it to splash.’ She grinned. ‘It really is the ideal arrangement, you know. No strings, I can carry on living my life without having to worry about putting dinner on the table every night, or being at his beck and call. I’m not in his pocket. I still see other people.’

Her eyes moved skyward and she sighed theatrically.