When do I ever? He stops and puts a hand on her arm. Or do you just want to get hold of something and come back to mine?

Can’t. People to see.

He lets go her arm and steps away slightly, increasing the distance between them as they walk on. She slows her pace to blow another bubble.

A small knot of people and some noise along Princelet Street catch their attention as they cross.

It’s Georgie-Boy, says Ollie.

They watch along the road as a Muslim man high-fives George Galloway.

Apropos Georgie-Boy, says Jeanie, did I ever tell you—

Many times.

The Truman Brewery is already buzzing, the pavement crowded with people. Inside they find Lottie making notes on her phone.

Ollie nods at her tote bag. Another day, another stupid slogan.

Nice to see you too, Ollie. Did you get into the Open?

Thank you for reminding me. No.

Is that the third year now?

Fourth. Again, thank you.

Now, there are good pickings here, says Lottie. I just met someone from The Telegraph – off duty of course, but I got his number. I think that must be whatsisname. The hot new Pakistani painter.

Jeanie looks up. Hmm, he is quite hot.

People to see, remember? says Ollie.

He’ll be a Muslim, says Lottie.

So?

So no alcohol, no sex. Sounds right up your street.

Jeanie smiles and strolls across the room.

Ollie shows Lottie the email. She reads it.

She couldn’t curate her way out of a paper bag, says Ollie. That last show of hers was a pile of shit. Every single piece was a rip-off of something else. The hang was like a jumble sale.

Did you tell her that?

Of course I did.

You should set up a salon des refusés, says Lottie, with a smirk.

Ollie blinks at her. You did a gap year at the Sorbonne, didn’t you Lottie?

Yes. How did you know that?

Lucky guess.

*

Jeanie approaches the Pakistani artist.

He looks at her. Hello. He is holding a bottle of beer.

You’re Muslim?

Yes. He tilts the bottle and smiles slightly.

*

Who’s that woman over there? says Ollie. One o’clock, in cobalt.

Lottie squints. It’s Beth Serota. I’ve seen her picture in Tatler.

Do you actually read Tatler, Lottie?

It was in the dentist’s waiting room.

Must be an upmarket dentist.

They drink their wine. Ollie regards Lottie. So when you were at school, he says, did you play hockey and lacrosse and that sort of thing?

Lottie gives him a withering look and returns her attention to the room.

No, I’m interested. Have you ever been foxhunting?

Lottie stares squarely ahead, blocking him out of her field of vision.

I watched someone eat a banana with a knife and fork once, says Ollie. It was fascinating, I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

*

This is a Muslim majority area, says Usman.