Gilly laughed. ‘Well, off you go now. And get in touch in the morning, or when you’ve had a chance to talk to Jago. But the friendship is the important thing.’

The thought that Jago might be gay had never crossed her mind before but now it began to make sense. She drove home thinking back on their friendship. Who else would offer so much with no strings? It was his idea to pretend they were a couple to get everyone off their backs. Why would he do that if there was no reason? Maybe he hadn’t come out yet? Well, she’d ask him the moment she saw him in the morning.

She was surprised to see his pickup in the yard. She’d thought he’d intended to stay over with his friend (another possible indication of his sexual preferences, she realised now). But the sight of it strengthened her resolve to speak. No time like the present. And she was armed with a crumble and carton of clotted cream. The timing was perfect!

Jago was in the kitchen making a hot drink when she arrived.

‘Hey!’ he said, obviously pleased to see her. ‘I thought you were going to sleep over with your mum.’

‘I thought you were going to sleep over with your mate!’ Now the thought that Jago was gay was in her mind, Helena couldn’t get rid of it, and, yes, she was horribly disappointed at the thought.

‘To be honest, he’s so heartbroken about his girlfriend leaving he just wanted to get drunk and I wasn’t prepared to have a hangover along with him. I’m really sorry for him and all that, but friendship only goes so far. I found I just wanted to get back.’ He paused. ‘What’s your excuse?’

Helena went to the cupboard to find some bowls. ‘Make me a cuppa and I’ll tell you. Mum sent crumble and clotted cream for us.’

‘God, I love your Mum!’ said Jago and flicked on the kettle.

‘She’s very fond of you, too,’ said Helena. Then, deciding it was best to get it over with, she went on: ‘In fact, she thinks you’re gay.’

At first Jago seemed confused and then amused. ‘Why on earth would she think that?’

‘Because you’re so nice!’ said Helena, having filled the bowls.

‘Well, I can’t deny I’m nice but I am not gay. If I was gay, why would I keep it a secret? Here’s your tea.’

‘So you’re definitely not?’ She put down the crumble and handed Jago a spoon.

‘Definitely not.’

‘Oh, OK.’ Helena felt stupid now.

Jago picked up his spoon and then put it down. ‘Will your mother stop making me crumbles if I’m not gay?’