Very CIVILISED

So, you see Mum, it’s all very civilised and amicable. No hard feelings on either side. It’s just that we’re not going anywhere, if you see what I mean,’ Zoe finished, looking down into her coffee cup, hoping her mother would take the news better than she had imagined she would.

Sondra said nothing for a moment. She stared at her daughter open-mouthed.

Finally, she sighed.

‘Well, actually no, I don’t see what you mean,’ she said quietly. ‘You and Mark have been happily married for three years now. As far as I know, you don’t have massive rows – I hope you’d have told me if there’d been anything serious, anyway. And I’ve certainly never sensed any coldness or an uncomfortable atmosphere when we’ve come to stay or popped round.’ She paused again, studying her daughter’s face. ‘Zoe, tell me honestly. What is this really about? Are either of you having an affair? Have you met someone else?’

Zoe groaned and took