“You should get out more, Mum. I don’t like to think of you rattling around that big old house all on your own since Alex moved out.”

If I hadn’t been trapped with one hand stuck under the ultraviolet lamp and Amber holding the other one, buffing my freshly polished nails, I would have fled from Blossom. As much as my daughter thought she might be helping, I wanted to deal with this whole ‘empty nest’ syndrome in the best way for me now that both of my children had left home. Although, maybe the best way wasn’t drinking a huge gin and tonic every night and nuking something in the microwave.

“As it happens, I’m going out this evening,” I lied, hoping she wouldn’t call me out on it or ask too many questions.

She smiled at me across the table. “That’s great. What are you up to?”

“Um…” Shit, I really should have thought of a cover story.

The door to the salon opened and Amber’s attention moved away from me to the new arrival, chatting to her and directing her to one of the small treatment rooms at the back. It gave me a couple of moments to think about what I should say. My gaze fell on the salon’s noticeboard with several flyers pinned on it, including one advertising evening classes at Ealynn Sands’s arts centre.

“You were telling me what you’re doing tonight?” Amber asked.

“There’s an art class at the Guildhall. I’ve always wanted to try painting.” Another lie. But at least it might throw Amber off.

“That’s brilliant, Mum.” Her face brightened. “I’m pleased you’re finally getting to do something you want to. You’ll have to show me the results. I’d love to have one of your pictures in the flat.”

“Let’s not get carried away. We don’t know if I’m going to be any good yet.” Given I wasn’t actually going to the class, I knew I wouldn’t be any good. The UV lamp bleeped, and I pulled my hand out, letting Amber do her thing.

“You know, you could do matching ones so Alex and Georgie can have one for their place too,” she suggested. “Okay, you’re all done.”

Oh, God. What have I started? My oldest son had recently moved in with his girlfriend, which had increased Amber’s concerns about me being alone. Why hadn’t I told her I was simply going out for a drink with some friends?

“Well, we’ll see.” I admired my freshly painted nails. “Maybe I should give nail art a go instead.”