I’d found a quiet spot away from the afterwork drinkers and browsed the menu for something to read. I don’t like to be on my phone too much, it feels like an addiction. I heard the other day that people in tech don’t let their kids have them as they know the damage they cause.

I could nearly see the door from here and I knew she wouldn’t message ahead, so no point checking my phone.

It was more fun, in a way, when I was young, meeting up with people, you had a place and a time and there was a buzz of excitement and expectation. I’d put my phone on silent, no vibration.

Today’s shift was gruelling. Not for the work, I don’t mind putting stock out and facing up, but I felt more left out than usual, from the others, I don’t think they like me.

I kept shifting my arsecheeks to get comfortable but the chair just felt wrong.

An uproar of laughter came from the men at the bar, they all roared together at a shared joke.

Ten minutes on, she hadn’t walked in. My lager was nearly finished and I didn’t fancy going back to the bar. I felt a tap on my shoulder.

“Darling, I’ve been trying to call you, why are you trying again?”

“It’s always worth a try, she told me she’d come after work.”

“Sweetheart your mother always does this, you need to cut her off, it’s been years.”

I didn’t respond.

“Let’s go home, we’ve missed you.”