‘The sponsorship made it all possible,’ said Lily. They were singing for their supper, literally, but having lots of lovely time off to enjoy Switzerland. ‘We do realise that it was philanthropic.’ She made a mental note to buy a big posh thank you card for Los and each of the team they’d worked with and get every Middletone to sign them.

The others were all already waiting at the foot of the stairs to a dining area where a section had been put aside for them and two smiling young men in black trousers and white shirts quickly laid a parade of dishes down the centre of the table then went round with fizzy water and fruit juice. ‘Awesome,’ said Eddie, sitting down promptly. ‘Pass us some of them pizza slices, Warwick.’

During lunch, Lily warmed even further to Garrick. Much as she’d learned to love Tubb, she wasn’t blind to his dour moments and his occasional inability to spend money. Garrick was more relaxed and expansive. He was a great host, keeping the conversation flowing, ensuring plates were passed and drinks refilled. He even got Carola smiling with a gentle joke or two. That feat alone endeared him to Lily.

Then his phone rang and he excused himself to answer. ‘Hi, Eleanor. No, it’s fine, I’m at lunch with Lily and co. Harry’s asked me to invite them …’ Then his smile faded. ‘Sorry? Hang on.’ He rose and, excusing himself to the company, hurried out of the room, phone clamped to his ear.

Just when Lily was enjoying her bro’s company, she thought, wondering what they were going to be invited to. Garrick always called Tubb ‘Harry’. She knew some people had called them Harry and Garry when they were kids, instead of Harrison and Garrick. Then her own phone buzzed like an insect in her pocket. She took it out to see a text from Zinnia.

Are you speaking to me properly yet? and an emoji shedding a tear.

Lily’s heart melted a couple of degrees and she almost felt guilty that she hadn’t thought much about Zinnia, particularly not in the last few minutes while she’d been with Garrick. She returned, Yes. Let’s talk when I get back. At the trade show right now and have to sing again soon. And she added a couple of kisses.

Yes, great! xx Zinnia texted back. The emoji this time had hearts for eyes.