He went to the door, took the food from the driver, and paid him kindly. As he passed over the notes and told the driver to keep the change, he noticed his hands were shaking. He flexed them as he walked up the hallway and returned to the kitchen.

Amber had taken two plates from the cupboard and serving spoons from the drawer. Two places had been set at the island unit.

‘I’ll serve up. You sit and relax. You were up and working so early this morning, you must be exhausted.’

‘You’re the guest,’ he said.

‘I insist,’ she replied and took the bag from him.

He forced a smile and returned to his seat. He finished his champagne and topped up their glasses.

‘So why are you single, James?’ Amber asked over her shoulder as she opened the containers of food. ‘You’re a good-looking man, I’m sure you could have anyone you wanted.’

‘I’m not the settling down type, I guess.’

‘A bachelor?’ she asked. The serving spoon clinked against the plates.

‘I guess so. Maybe when I’m a bit older.’

Like you, you old bitch.

‘I used to say that,’ she replied. ‘But then one day I woke up and realised that I might not live until I’m eighty-odd, like we all imagine we will. I could die at any time with all of my hopes and dreams pinned to a future that would never come.’

She turned around with two full plates of Chinese food.

‘You never know what’s around the corner, James.’ She placed the plate in front of him. ‘Don’t wait until it’s too late.’

‘That’s good advice,’ he said. ‘Thanks.’

Amber sat opposite him at the island and sipped her champagne.

‘Looks great,’ he said and took his first bite.

She watched him intently. Her cheeks were flushed from the champagne.

‘Aren’t you going to eat?’ he asked with his mouth full. ‘I thought you were starving?’

‘I’m going to enjoy my champagne first.’ She watched him take another bite. Then another. When he swallowed his fifth forkful, she smiled.

‘What’s my husband like in bed, James?’

Food spluttered from his mouth. He coughed and took a sip of champagne to clear his throat. His eyes began to stream.

‘What?’

‘How is he with you? Is he the top or the bottom? Or do you take it in turns?’

‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’

He blinked furiously and tried to clear his throat. The more he tried, the tighter it became.

‘Are you sure?’ she asked, and pulled her phone from her pocket.

James coughed and gripped the counter top until his knuckles turned white. Some food must have caught in his throat.