However, Helen had texted, asking if I wanted to get what she described as ‘evening food’.

I assumed she meant dinner but that the word ‘dinner’ was on her Shovel List. God only knew why, but it wasn’t as if any of her pet hates were rational.

I rang her and, after a long time, she answered. ‘You couldn’t have texted?’

‘It would have taken too long. But here’s what I would have texted: Yes, thank you, Helen, I would like to get “evening food” with you. I’m going to a meeting in Stillorgan at eight o’clock, so a place nearby would be good. I’ve taken a quick look and there are three restaurants with tables available at six thirty, which is when I’d arrive—’

‘—but not a place with an Early Bird Menu! That boasts about it. Rachel, I couldn’t! I’d be too irritated to eat.’

‘Way ahead of you.’ I was smug. ‘See you at Chopping Block at six thirty.’

Of course, there was always a chance that Chopping Block might be on her list for some other reason—perhaps the name was infuriating? Or misleading? Perhaps because it wasn’t an actual chopping block?

To my relief, she said, ‘Okay!’ Then, ‘Why can’t everyone be as reasonable as you, Rachel? This is why you’re my favourite sister.’

‘I am? Thanks.’

‘Apart from Anna, like.’

At Chopping Block, I found her deep in conversation with a waiter. I guessed they were discussing coleslaw. Helen liked coleslaw. Cheese and coleslaw sandwiches were about all she ate.

‘Howya!’ she cried when she saw me. ‘Sit down. This is Ultan, he’s sorting me out with cheese and coleslaw sandwiches—and a pint of Diet Coke. Did I say that, Ultan?’

‘You did.’ He consulted his pad. ‘Room temperature. No lemon or lime or any fruit, especially no pears, cranberries or kiwis.’

‘Good man. But Rachel will order normal food.’

‘Fine.’ Ultan gave me a menu and skedaddled off to do Helen’s bidding.

‘So?’ I asked her. ‘How are things?’

‘Do you want to know why I suggested this?’ she asked. ‘Us, meeting for evening food?’

‘Something’s wrong?’

‘No.’ Then, with a great deal of pride, she said, ‘I’m checking in on you.’

‘Oh! That’s…ah…nice.’

‘Yep. Trying to behave like a normal person.’ She was so very delighted with herself.

‘Checking in, in case I’m upset about you and Artie tryi—’ I stopped myself. ‘Sorry. I nearly said the “trying” word there.’

‘Good job you didn’t.’ And both of us laughed.

‘In case I’m upset about you and Artie hoping for a baby? Because I’m fine about it.’ Well, almost, and that would have to do.