Their hug lasted for ages, both of them swaying and clutching each other tight. Rosie virtually leapt into Peter’s arms to say goodbye, as Lola leapt into mine, without hesitation. I looked at Rosie’s arms around Peter’s neck, squeezing in the way I knew. Her eyes were sparkling as she thanked him for coming, and he was still beaming as he gave me a slap on the back and shook my hand.

“Was ace, Julian, thanks so much.”

“See you soon!” Rosie said, as she waved them off from the front door.

The neighbours would be despising me even more after this week. Drunk guests leaving, and a hundred heavy...