“Lizzie’s a nice enough girl, but she likes to keep on top of everyone’s business.”

“So she’s a tad high maintenance.” I lean one elbow on the table and watch Lizzie rip into some waiter as she inspects the top table.

Scott nods. “Good description.”

I catch him glancing quickly behind my left shoulder and a shadow passes over his face. Assuming he’s caught sight of his ex-wife again, I casually shuffle around for a look.

“Which one is she?” I ask quietly.

Scott sighs. “Tight cream dress,” he mutters.

I hate to admit it, but Harumi looks incredible in a figure-hugging ivory silk dress and sleek dark hair to her waist. I wonder if Lizzie is pissed at her – talk about upstaging the bride. She’s grasping the arm of a tall blond guy who looks at least ten years older than her and he’s attractive, I’ll give him that, but not a patch on Scott.

I swivel away. “So,” I say forcefully. “How did Harry and Lizzie meet?”

Scott sighs and looks at me, a haunted look still in his eyes.

“Harry has been living in Japan for years – he got a job out here shortly after graduation. We were best mates in school but kind of lost touch. Then when Harumi and I got together, we started making regular trips”

“So you didn’t meet Harumi here?”

Scott shakes his head. “Harumi swears she’ll never live in the same country as her family ever again. She was sent to a fancy university in the UK and hasn’t lived in Japan since. We worked at the same company in London for two years – that’s where we got together – before I got a transfer back to Auckland.”

“And Lizzie? Where does she come in?”

“I started to catch up with Harry when we came to Tokyo, which was about four times a year. Too many for Harumi, but I enjoy coming here – at least I used to.” Scott gives a wry smile. “Anyway, one night Harry and I were at a sake bar and sitting at the table next to us was a group of very loud, drunk tourists. They invited us to join them for a drink and I wasn’t that keen, but Harry leapt up and squeezed in next to…” He pauses and raises his eyebrows.

“Lizzie,” I state.

“They’ve been loved up ever since.”

The rest of our table guests arrive at once. A swarm of handshakes and polite cheek kisses ensue. They all seem to know Scott and every one of them avoids saying Harumi’s name. They’re also all in couples – four pairs in all. I’m glad I came now. Scott being on his own would have stuck out as much as my giant breasts regularly do.

The pale Irish man named Alistair sitting beside me puts a hand on my arm and leans closer.