Lily shoves her mug and me, winks and charges to the door. The second I told them Scott was coming to help, she’s been hyped up and asking questions. The poor guy doesn’t know what he’s got himself in for. I’m looking forward to them meeting each other though. Should make for an entertaining day.

Lily’s voice sails back to us.

“So, this is the Scott who scandalously told our Trish her aura was fucked and then forced her to go to some lame wedding.”

Emma raises her eyebrows at me. “You’d better get out there.”

I race down the hallway, waving to Scott. “Leave him alone, Lily.”

Rather than looking like he wants to run, Scott appears to be enjoying himself.

“Looks like your aura contains flashing lights,” he says, holding out his hand to Lily.

She shakes his hand and grins at me. “I like this one, Trish.” Then she throws an arm around his shoulder and guides him into the kitchen to meet the others.

Mags does her usual stare at him without speaking, and Emma gets all serious and mother-like, but otherwise it’s a fairly tame welcome. Until Darryl walks in. I’d forgotten he’d come over with the others. He’s been in the bedroom placing masking tape around the window frame – Lily set him to work the moment they arrived.

“Darryl,” Lily exclaims, grabbing his hand and giving him a passionate kiss better suited to the bedroom. “This is Scott, Trish’s new friend.”

I cringe as she emphasizes the word “friend”.

“Hey, man,” says Darryl, shaking Scott’s hand. “It’s not too late to do a runner. I can guard your back, if you like. Until Mags here tackles me to the ground.”

Mags punches Darryl on the arm and he staggers back. I know from regular first-hand experience this isn’t for effect. When Mags whacks someone, they know about it. For someone with such a gentle soul, she’s surprisingly violent.

While Darryl rubs his arm, Scott laughs.

“I’ll take my chances, but thanks for the offer.”

I can see him eyeing the two remaining doughnuts on the table.

“Looks like you’ve already had breakfast.” He shrugs off his backpack. “But I bought along some banana bread, if anyone wants a slice?” He pulls out a container and places it on the table.

Emma immediately pulls off the lid.

“Did you make this?” she asks, eyeing the loaf with suspicion.

“I was up early, so…” He trails off, looking embarrassed.

Lily’s eyes widen. “Hear that, Darryl? Scott here can whip something up. In the kitchen.”

Darryl slips his arm around Lily’s waist. “I bet he doesn’t have Zico’s on speed dial.”

“Actually, I do. They make a great pizza.”

Emma has surreptitiously pulled off a corner of the loaf and is chewing slowly. Scott has no idea how much his life depends on this moment.