‘Tom Bishop, you have a rather naughty sense of humour, do you know that?’

‘I’m only talking about socks, Madi.’ His eyes glinted with mischief and he gave her an exaggerated wink.

‘Were you like this with Barbara?’

‘Like what exactly?’

‘Joking all the time, going out for lunch, shopping for socks?’

‘Not all the time, but yes, we tended to do most things together.’

‘I’m just a bit worried that I might be becoming some kind of substitute, that’s all. You do know that’s not what I need right now?’

‘Me neither, Madi. Friends, okay? Like we said right from the start. In fact, why don’t you come with me next time I visit Barb? Meet her for yourself, put your mind at rest that I am still a happily married man. Or as happy as I can be, in the circumstances. She’d like you, you know. Okay, so she may not remember who you are five minutes after you’ve been introduced, but that’s just Barb. It’s nothing to be wary of, or scared of. She’s just Barb. My Barb.’

‘I don’t know. It would feel like intruding.’

‘Nonsense. Any friend of mine is a friend of hers. Always been that way. Although she did take things a bit far the first time she met my mate Ken.’

‘Ken, as in Ralph’s dad, you mean? And Joe’s?’

‘Yep, that’s the man. We were nothing more than kids back then, of course. I was just a teenager, trying to impress the girls, blagging my way into pubs, and he was a few years older. We hung about in the same groups, often found ourselves at the same football match or the same youth club. I met her first, or that’s what I’ve always argued, although to be honest it was only about thirty seconds before he did. It was a disco, in a neighbouring village, just a small summer thing, and all over by about ten. And he was the one who walked her to the bus stop that first night, and shared a bit of a snog, so she told me later. Didn’t last though. Well, how could it once I’d decided to make my move? A pretty girl, my Barb, back then. Still is, mind you. And it was me she chose.’

‘And Ken didn’t mind?’

‘How could he? He’d only known her for a few hours. Hardly stealing the love of his life, was I? And he met his own wife soon after anyway. The lovely Janet. Gone now, sadly. I keep hoping he might hook up with someone else, but no joy so far. The boys became his life for so long that he just pushed any idea of another romance aside. Probably too late now, which is a shame. He’s a good bloke. I don’t suppose you …?’

‘Trying to match-make now, are you?’ She prodded his arm. ‘No, leave me out of it. Men are off my agenda. Except for my son, and a bit of matchmaking there wouldn’t go amiss if you can work some magic and get us back together, or talking at least. I’m not doing a very good job of it myself.’