‘The thing I like about chicken is you can add all the traditional Christmas trimmings at any time of year,’ Jonathan says with a smile as he starts to dish up. ‘Thinking of which, what do you normally do for Christmas, Tilly?’

‘Well, if I’m working, I tend to spend it picking tinsel out of bodily cavities it has no business being in, or dealing with other bizarre festive injuries, but I’m off this year so I’ll be spending it with my parents.’ It takes me a while to explain our blended family set-up, and how both houses are overrun with step-siblings, friends and other hangers-on for pretty much the entire period from Christmas Eve until New Year’s Day. ‘Tash and I generally go for the day on Christmas Day and Boxing Day if we can, and steer clear for the rest of it,’ I conclude. ‘What about you?’

‘It’ll just be the two of us,’ Will tells me. ‘First year without Mum and all of that.’

‘If you want to escape the mêlée, you’d be more than welcome to pop in at any time,’ Jonathan adds. ‘It’s always a pleasure to see you.’

I glance at Will, but his face is still inscrutable. Something is definitely not right with him and I’m starting to wonder if I’ve read him all wrong.

26

‘Are you OK?’ I ask Will as we’re checking progress in the workshop after lunch. Jonathan disappeared for his nap before I could attempt my charm offensive, so I’ve decided to talk to Will directly and see if I can find anything out that way.

‘Yes. Why?’

‘I don’t know. You don’t seem quite yourself today. Was it the Audrey thing? I didn’t mean to put my foot in it; it’s just you seemed quite enthusiastic about tracking her down the other week.’

He looks at me for a long time, as if trying to make his mind up about something. Just as I’m starting to feel hot and uncomfortable under his gaze, he speaks.

‘You look different today,’ he says. ‘I can’t quite work out what it is.’

‘Different good or different bad?’ I ask, pleased that he’s noticed but definitely squirming under his scrutiny now.

‘Good. Am I allowed to say that? I don’t want to sound creepy.’

I laugh with relief. ‘It’s not creepy. Thank you. I just thought I’d make a bit of an effort today, that’s all.’

‘Well, whatever you’ve done, it suits you.’

Despite my reassurance, he’s obviously a little embarrassed by his revelation and an awkward silence descends again while we both study the helicopter.

‘Is that new?’ I ask, pointing out the word ‘Audrey’ painted on the fuselage in bright yellow.