Gary walked her up to the platform of Winchester station. They were not holding hands. She had hers on the strap of the satchel that hung from her shoulder. His were plunged deep into the pockets of his leather jacket.

‘Why me?’ he asked, matter-of-factly.

‘Why not?’

‘Well, you’ve fended me off for months. Why the sudden change of heart?’

‘Who knows?’

‘You will come back? I mean, you can tell me if it was just a one-night stand.’

‘Is that what you’d prefer? Is that what you’re used to?’

‘Used to, yes. But not what I’d prefer.’

The distant rumble of the train broke them off. They stood back as it thundered alongside the platform and drew to a halt. The electric doors slid open.

‘You could stay if you want,’ he said. ‘You don’t have to go back.’

‘No clothes,’ she said. ‘Can’t wear these all weekend.’

‘But you could come back when you’ve got them.’

She stepped up on to the train and turned to face him. ‘Maybe next time.’ She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, then the doors slid closed and the train pulled slowly out of the station. He waved, then watched the train until it was a tiny dot at the end of the track.

Gary was at a loose end. He could go back to his flat and read the papers. He could go for a run. Instead he walked into town and paid a visit to Erica’s bookshop.

‘We don’t see you here very often,’ said Erica. ‘Going on holiday?’

‘I wish,’ said Gary. ‘Too much on. Just thought I’d come and pick up a bit of reading–something to take my mind off work.’

‘Do you need any help?’

‘Well, you could point me in the direction of China.’

‘You’ll find China down the third alleyway somewhere between Borneo and Denmark.’

‘And I thought my geography was shaky,’ murmured Gary.

‘Oh, we’re a world apart in here,’ said Erica. ‘Anything in particular?’

‘Well, not so much a travel guide as a book on Chinese culture. That sort of thing. As up to date as possible.’

‘Hang on.’ Erica came out from behind her counter and led the way to the third aisle. ‘I think we’ve something fairly new. Came in a couple of weeks ago. Now then, where are we…’ She scrutinized the shelves in the section marked China. ‘There you are…up there. The one with the dreary cover. Can you reach it, or shall I go and get the steps?’

Gary stretched up and pulled down the thick book. ‘Modern China: Its Economy and Changing Culture. I see what you mean about the dreary cover.’

‘The title’s not especially exciting either, is it? I’m sure we can find you something a bit more inspiring than that. Wouldn’t you rather have something with more photographs in it?’