TWENTY-SEVEN

It's amazing what a different person I am these days. It's as if I've been transformed. I'm a new Emma. Far more open than I used to be. Far more honest. Because what I've really learned is, if you can't be honest with your friends and colleagues and loved ones, then what is life all about?

The only secrets I have nowadays are tiny little essential ones. And I hardly have any of those. I could probably count them on the fingers of one hand. I mean, just off the top of my head:

1. I'm really not sure about Mum's new highlights.

2. That Greek-style cake Lissy made for my birthday was the most disgusting thing I've ever tasted.

3. I borrowed Jemima's Ralph Lauren swimsuit to go on holiday with Mum and Dad, and I bust one of
the straps.

4. The other day when I was navigating in the car, I nearly said 'What's this big river all round London? ' Then I realized it was the M25.

5. I had this really weird dream last week, about Lissy and Sven.

6. I've secretly starting feeding Artemis's spider plant 'Rebuild' plant food.

7. I'm sure Sammy the goldfish has changed again.
Where did that extra fin come from?

1. I know I have to stop giving out my 'Emma Corrigan, Marketing Executive' card to complete strangers, but I just can't help it.
2. I don't know what advanced pro-ceramides are. (I don't even know what backward pro-ceramides are.)
3. Last night, when Jack said 'What are you thinking about? ' and I said 'Oh nothing...' that wasn't quite true. I was actually planning the names of all our children.

But the thing is, it's completely normal to have the odd little secret from your boyfriend. Everyone knows that.