‘Well, in that case, challenge accepted,’ Jo grinned before she set off down the path towards Clara and her mum, doing her best Soul Train moves and really trying not to think about the cars that passed. When she glanced backwards, she saw Lorcan, apparently devoid of all self-consciousness, as he followed and showcased some pretty special hip-hop moves.

By the time she reached her mum, and all four of them were dancing in the street, singing along to a pop song Jo only knew one line of, she was almost helpless with laughter.

‘I did warn you,’ Lorcan shouted as he attempted an impressive spin on one foot and wobbled a bit. Thankfully, he was able to right himself before anyone sustained an injury, but his silly stagger to a safe and upright standing position was enough to make Clara hoot with laughter.

Jo’s mum, on the other hand, just looked a little confused, which wasn’t surprising, given that she had never met Lorcan before and had no idea who he was. Jo was about to introduce him when he crouched down to Clara’s height and said: ‘Well, I’m guessing you are the wonderful Clara that I’ve heard so much about.’

Clara beamed and nodded, delighted to be the centre of attention.

‘Well, I’m Lorcan. I’m your big sister’s friend.’

‘You talk funny,’ Clara said, screwing her face up in concentration.

‘Well, Miss Clara, that’s because I’m from another country. One you have to get in a plane to go to.’

‘Is it Dubai, like my daddy? He has to go there to work in a plane,’ Clara said, excited that her new friend might come from somewhere warm, sunny and exotic.

‘Not quite as nice as Dubai,’ Lorcan smiled.

‘Oh never mind,’ Clara said with perfect six-year-old logic. ‘It’s not your fault.’

Lorcan grinned and Jo felt her heart swell. When he stood back up, she wasted no time in introducing him to her mother.

‘Why don’t you come and join us for dinner?’ her mother said. ‘It’s roast chicken with all the trimmings?’

Lorcan smiled and Jo realised it would be nice to have him there for tea. To have him seated at the table with them. To have him in her space doing nice normal family things.

‘I’d love to, but I’ve promised Grandad fish and chips tonight and he rarely gets chippy food any more, on account of his heart, so I really wouldn’t want to let him down.’

Jo was surprised at just how disappointed she felt.

‘Maybe another time?’ Lorcan suggested.

‘You’d be more than welcome,’ her mother replied.

‘Come tomorrow!’ Clara squealed.

Lorcan winked. ‘We’ll see,’ he said and then he looked at Jo. ‘I’d better be heading back before Grandad sends out a search party. And you know he would. And, remember, all’s well that ends well.’