It was good to think of the cooling breezes of Nelson’s Bar. And to think of Aaron too.

Harry and Rory had lost yesterday’s ebullience. ‘Nobody’s interested in seeing us about any of the jobs we’ve applied for,’ Harry said morosely, pulling out a chair to slump on. He made air quotes with his fingers. ‘“The ideal candidate will have experience of the working sector.” How do you get experience if you can’t get a job?’

Clancy made a sympathetic face. ‘That’s always been tricky.’ She wished she could be more help because the lads were so likeable, yet so unworldly. She’d hate them to make a decision they’d later regret. Their obvious love for each other gave her a warm feeling around her own heart.

Rory leaned an elbow on the table. ‘Getting a job with somewhere to live attached isn’t going to happen. Harry, it’s me holding you back. I think you should go to uni in Leicester like your dad wants.’

‘I suppose,’ Clancy said slowly, ‘that lots of people do manage long-distance relationships—’

‘No!’ Harry almost shouted the word, eyes glittering. ‘We’re together. End of. Maybe we can find somewhere to live first? Then getting a job might be easier.’

So Clancy, who didn’t really want to see their young love tested or them pining for each other, got out her phone and Harry stabbed and swiped while Rory watched dolefully, looking close to tears. The stumbling blocks to securing accommodation quickly proved to be not only references but a deposit too. Hostels began at what seemed a reasonable £10 a night, though the lads had only £80 of their original £100 plus now, which meant four nights. Hotels and apartments might as well have been on the moon, they were so far out of reach.

Harry slapped the table in frustration. ‘It can’t be impossible to move to London! How did you do it, Clancy?’

Clancy felt apologetic that it had been comparatively easy. ‘I had money. My parents supported me through uni and I had holiday jobs. After uni, I interned until I got a job. Later, I helped start up a business. I wish I had a magic solution for you but the truth is that London’s a hard and expensive place.’

‘My parents won’t give me money,’ Harry snapped.

Clancy searched for the right approach. ‘They’re prepared to support you through university. That’s not cheap.’

‘Just … don’t.’ Harry’s voice quivered.

After that, the meal was a quiet one. Harry’s mood was suspiciously like a sulk and Rory kept blinking back tears.

Nobody wanted dessert and Clancy was just wondering what to do or say next when Aaron’s name flashed up on her phone. She answered slightly breathlessly.

His voice was warm and deep. ‘How’s the trip going?’

‘Progressing on the IsVid front,’ she reported. ‘Tricky, but no bloodshed.’

‘That’s good. It’s hot as hell building rockeries. We’ve had an electrical storm but it hasn’t broken the heatwave.’

Harry broke in impatiently. ‘Is that Aaron? Can I talk to him, please? I’ll put him on speaker so you can hear, Rory,’ he added, blithely disregarding phone etiquette in a restaurant. As he groaned to his cousin about their lack of progress in finding a job and/or somewhere to live, Clancy paid quickly, then ushered Harry and Rory outside and to a side street without Harry pausing in pouring out his woes.