‘Oh, OK,’ I nodded. ‘Well, lovely to meet you, Melissa. Even if only ever so briefly,’ I added pointedly, directing the comment at Giles.

‘Hopefully I’ll see you again soon,’ said Melissa as they exited, with Giles closing the door firmly behind them.

Instead of returning to my armchair, I walked the few steps to the sofa and flopped down next to Kerry. ‘Well, that was weird,’ I murmured.

‘I think he was a bit embarrassed of me,’ she said softly, confirming my worst fears.

‘God, no. Take it from me, he was terrified of me saying something to embarrass him in front of her.’

She didn’t argue, but looked unconvinced.

‘He just didn’t seem himself, though, did he?’ I said.

She shook her head. ‘To be honest, I felt like I hardly recognised him. He’s had his hair cut, hasn’t he?’

‘Yesterday,’ I nodded.

‘Suits him. I bet all the women at work fall over themselves for him,’ she said quietly. ‘But I should be going,’ she continued quickly, keeping her voice low, ‘do you think they’ve gone upstairs yet? Don’t want to crash anything.’

We sat in silence for a moment, listening intently, and once we were certain that the hallway was empty, I walked her to the front door.

‘We should do this again,’ I said, ‘the next time we can shake off the blokes.’

She laughed. ‘I think the chances of Giles wanting to hang around for a drink and a natter with me at the moment are slim to nothing.’

I laughed along, whilst feeling hurt on her behalf. I couldn’t be sure that Giles had a problem with introducing her to Melissa, but the fact that Kerry thought he did was enough to make me irritated with him. ‘I’ll keep you posted,’ I said.

She reached up to give me a hug, before turning and walking away. I waited until she had reached her front door and, after smiling and waving at her through the now largely leafless bush, I turned and went inside.

Chapter 29

The next morning I was sitting at the kitchen island, mid chocolate croissant, when Giles walked in, still wearing his dressing gown and slippers.

‘Morning,’ I said, tucking my hair behind my ears and straightening my bathrobe, lest Melissa should be in his wake.

‘Morning,’ he replied, offering only a faint smile as he schlepped past me.

I watched out of the corner of my eye as he bent down to take a bowl, spoon, knife and side plate from the dishwasher. He looked absolutely knackered. It had clearly been a busy night.

A moment later, he returned to the island, carrying his crockery and cutlery, plus a box of muesli under one arm. A two-pint carton of milk hung from his right index finger and he was holding a chocolate croissant between his teeth.