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‘Oh.’ Gabriel sounded genuinely disappointed. ‘I thought there would be a prize.’

Rita let her gaze sweep the table. ‘There is; you’ll all be getting one. How does a discount voucher for a future retreat and a mini-Christmas hamper full of Zenya’s festive goodies sound.’

Jona Lewie’s ‘Stop the Cavalry’ had just started playing across the Nook when the door burst open causing everyone to jump.’

A woman swept into the room in a storm of blonde waves, an oversized scarf, bright red winter coat and a huge gold tote bag.

‘Your phone must be on bleeding silent, Reet. Luckily, your Stan saw me halfway up the hill and took pity on me.’

With cheeks flushed pink from cold and indignation and before Rita could apologise for forgetting to collect her dear friend from the station, the voluptuous woman crossed straight to her and kissed both her cheeks fervently.

‘Mate, I’m so sorry.’ Rita bit her lip. ‘I completely forgot.’

Then, throwing her arms wide towards the room, the exuberant arrival announced dramatically, ‘It’s all OK and hello, hello, everyone, Kelly the Christmas cavalry has arrived!’

FORTY

Rita adjusted the springs on the Reformer machine and let out a long breath.

‘I had to come down here,’ she groaned. ‘Thought I’d go mad otherwise.’

Jilly glanced over from her own machine. ‘Everything alright, girl?’

‘Kelly turned up this morning, thank God.’ Rita exhaled heavily. ‘She’s got the twins for an hour. I said I wouldn’t be long.’

Jilly narrowed her eyes immediately. ‘What’s up?’

Rita hesitated. ‘I’ve got another to-the-grave secret for you.’

Jilly grinned. ‘My favourite kind.’

Rita gave her a look.

‘As bad as the never-telling-Jago-that-Chloe-Brimble-started-the-fire kind of secret?’

Rita winced. ‘Worse.’

‘Shit the bed.’ Jilly stopped mid-stretch. ‘Right, hang on. Let me get us tea before this gets juicy, la.’

A few minutes later they sat at the back of the studio on balance balls, steaming mugs between their hands.

Rita stared into hers.

‘Jago insisted I put cameras in the big lounge. Said he wasn’t sure about Chloe around the twins.’

Jilly frowned instantly. ‘Oh no. What’s she done? Are the kids alright?’

‘It’s nothing to do with the children.’ Rita inhaled sharply. ‘She’s been shagging my Thom.’

Wide-eyed, Jilly burst out laughing.

Rita looked horrified. ‘Excuse me?’

‘Sorry!’ Jilly held up a hand, still laughing. ‘I just… oh God… were the kids in bed?’

‘Yes, of course they were in bed! But that’s not the point.’

Jilly composed herself with visible effort. ‘Please don’t tell me this is because you think she’s not good enough for your precious boy.’