‘Mummy, if you could meet me there, that’d be great. Get a cab directly from the station and I’ll meet you inside.’ The assistant behind the counter is pretending not to listen. We’re alone in the shop. ‘Mummy, I have to go. I’m in a shop about to sign my life away to borrow some very expensive diamonds,’ I whisper.

‘I’ve bought a new dress,’ my mother exclaims. ‘Second-hand new. But Grace, it’s stunning.’

Rambling on to describe her frock in great detail, I don’t have the heart to stop her. Full-length, navy satin, sequinned and with matching clutch, it sounds far too posh for a Sunday luncheon date, even if it is at Fortnum and Mason.

‘Mummy, it sounds divine. I can’t wait to see you in it. But I can’t chat just now.’

‘No, dear, you’re collecting your diamonds!’

In the background, I’m alerted to another incoming call. Checking the screen, I see it’s Carlos. Apart from a short call to put him in touch with Poppy, we haven’t spoken. If Carlos is on his way to the salsa club, I won’t be able to reach him until after midnight. I have to answer and let him know, delicately, because Carlos hasn’t done anything wrong to deserve this, that my invitation for him to escort me tomorrow is cancelled.

‘Mummy, bye. I can’t wait to see you in your fancy frock. I love you.’

‘I love you, dear. See you at the do! Bye.’

I pick up with Carlos.

‘Ola, Crazie.’

‘Hello Carlos.’

‘Crazie, I have new suit, thanks to you so much.’

‘You’re very welcome, Carlos. I hear you look very handsome in it.’

‘Es very good suit.’

‘Poppy is quite the magician.’

‘Es magic?’

‘Carlos, never mind.’

‘For flower, what colour your dress?’

‘Actually, I’m also wearing a suit. A silver suit.’

‘No black?’

When I turn to check, the shop attendant is still affecting disinterest in my conversation. I lower my voice anyway.

‘No, Carlos, silver.’

He breathes heavily and breaks to speak to someone in Spanish, I presume for translation. He returns saying, ‘Okay. Sil-ver.’

‘Carlos, I need to talk with you about tomorrow.’

‘Sí?’

‘I need to walk the red carpet.’

‘You no walk, Crazie.’

‘Yes, I have to, for the cameras.’

‘I book car,’ Carlos insists excitedly. ‘I have friend with Prius. You no walk.’

Carlos and I can barely converse in person. By phone, it’s nigh on impossible.

‘I bring car, no problem.’

‘Carlos, that’s very kind.’ And it is. Carlos has been super. He’s held up his end of our arrangement beautifully – I’m the one who’s been flaky, on all counts. ‘But no car. No Prius, Carlos.’ Without further hesitation, I bite the bullet and un-invite him. ‘I’m sorry, but I have to cancel.’

‘No car.’