A woman’s voice floated from the vehicle’s speaker. ‘Hello, Isaac. Dad and I just received a parcel and it contained two lovely new coats from you. Thank you so much! You shouldn’t have spent so much money on us but they are lovely and so warm.’

Isaac flushed. ‘You’re welcome.’ He slowed down for a lumbering lorry that pulled out in front of him. ‘They’re for Christmas really but it seemed stupid to hang on to them when it’s cold now.’

Lily felt a little melty sensation in her chest at Isaac doing something nice for his parents and everyone else seemed to feel the same judging by the chorus of ‘Awwwww …’ from the body of the bus.

With a self-conscious cough, Isaac added, ‘Um, Mum, I should mention I’m in a minibus heading for France and Switzerland so you’re on speaker. The trip came up so quickly that yesterday was crazy and I didn’t have a chance to tell you where I was going.’

‘Oh.’ Lily heard the disappointment in the single syllable. ‘So you’re already on your way to your courses, then? Aren’t you needed at that little pub any more? Won’t we see you for Christmas? Or are you coming back for that?’ The hope in the last few words was plain.

Lily was pretty sure Isaac had to swallow before he answered. ‘I’m not on my way to my instructor courses.’ He quickly explained about the Middletones trip. ‘And I’m definitely going to be at the pub for Christmas Day. But the good news is that the owner, Mr Tubb, has asked me to invite you and Dad for Christmas lunch on the house. Will you come? It would make a nice change, wouldn’t it?’

‘Oh!’ This time the syllable rang with pleasure. ‘How nice of Mr Tubb. Thank you, Isaac! Let me talk to Dad about it but I’m sure we’ll come.’

Lily’s eyes actually burned at Isaac’s mum’s pleasure.

Isaac ended the call looking slightly embarrassed, especially when Charlotte called from the back, ‘Who’s mummy’s good ickle boy then?’

Everyone laughed but one of the lads called, ‘Good on you, Isaac,’ and Lily knew that nobody could overhear that conversation and not be touched.