‘We’re getting to know one another quite well, I think. I told you–I’ve been to look at her rose bush–and she sits down with me for lunch some days.’

Ellie giggled. ‘How romantic! You’ve been to look at her rose bush…’

Christopher sounded hurt. ‘Well it’s all right for you. I mean people of your age are expected to go on dates and go out to dinner. It’s the most normal thing in the world. People of my age are already fixed up, and when you’re not, and you want to do something about it, it seems much more calculating. You don’t seem to be able to do anything without it having…great significance.’

‘And does this one have great significance?’

‘I don’t know yet. It might have.’

Ellie took a sip of her wine, then said, ‘Would you like it to have great significance?’

Christopher thought for a moment. ‘Yes. I think I probably would,’ And then, ‘But it’s early days.’

‘Are you still worrying about mum?’

‘Of course.’ He took a gulp of the wine. ‘Never stop.’

‘Dad, I know I shouldn’t really say this…’

Christopher looked up from his glass.

‘You’re going to have to get a life of your own.’

He sighed. ‘Fancy you having to tell me that. How very grown-up.’

‘No. Not grown-up. Just realistic. I know it might seem disloyal, and I don’t want to be disloyal to either of you but…well…mum’s made her own life now. You can’t just sit back and let life slip away. Who cares if you have to go out on a date or two? You’re not that old. You’re still quite dishy.’

‘Me? Dishy?’

‘Yes! Some of my friends’ mums go quite weak at the knees whenever your name is mentioned.’

‘Don’t be silly.’

‘They do! You’re a good catch.’

‘For a gold-digger?’

‘That’s just Matt being protective.’

‘Of me or your mother?’

‘Both. I think really he’d like you back together…’

Christopher interrupted, ‘I don’t think that’s being realistic…’

‘But I know he wants you to be happy, too.’

‘But cautious?’

Ellie shook her head. ‘I think you’re naturally cautious. I mean you haven’t exactly made an effort to find a new partner have you?’

Christopher took a deep breath. ‘I did go on the internet.’

‘What?’

‘Well, it seemed an innocuous sort of thing to do. I just typed in “soulmate” to see what would come up.’

Ellie’s eyes lit up. She leaned across the table on her elbows. ‘What happened?’

‘Disastrous. One hypochondriac, one rather dull librarian and one who was…how shall I put it?…rather keen on the physical side of things.’

‘Dad! You didn’t…?’

‘No I did not. I got her out of here before her feet could touch the ground.’

‘You invited her round here?’