It Started With A Note: A brand-new uplifting read of love and new adventures for 2018!. Victoria Cooke

be without him really.’

      ‘Same for Roland and me,’ says Cynthia. ‘Fifty-nine years.’

      ‘How about you, Cath? Have you ever been married?’ Martha asks.

      Still chewing my toastie, I shake my head. ‘No. My son came along as a result of a few alcopops and a bag of Walkers prawn cocktail crisps.’ This draws a few blank expressions. ‘His father was an older boy who I’d idolised since year eleven. When I told him I was pregnant, he didn’t want to know. I heard he’d moved away not long after that and then, well …’ I realise I’m droning on, telling a story that’s probably the same one that thousands of women could tell.

      Cynthia looks puzzled. ‘So, what happened?’

      ‘Nothing and there wasn’t anyone after him. With a young son to care for I can’t say I ever looked my best.’ I giggle at the memory of being complimented on the unusual pattern on my top that was actually dried formula that I hadn’t noticed had slopped down my side. ‘There isn’t much time for man-hunting with a little one. I don’t have any regrets though; I wouldn’t swap Kieran for a different life. How could I? He’s such a smart boy, off at university now.’