‘This,’ said Sharon, holding her hand out towards him, ‘is my Ashley.’ She was smiling broadly and didn’t notice what Tony saw: Jake’s hand, slowly curling into a fist at his side. Tony knew there was going to be trouble, he could see Jake’s anger rising.

‘This one, Ashley’ – Sharon took hold of Jake’s arm – ‘is my lovely husband, who I’ve told you all about. He’s beautiful, isn’t he?’ Sharon was smiling and giggling at the young man, while holding on to Jake like a schoolgirl showing off her first boyfriend.

Ashley looked Jake up and down, then put his hands on his hips. ‘Well, hello, handsome. You’re right, Sharon, love, he is a beauty.’ He drummed the fingers of one hand on his mouth, as though thinking, the other hand left provocatively on his hip. ‘You remind me of a handsome movie star, but I can’t think of his name,’ he said, then he smiled at Jake.

At this point, the penny finally dropped, and Jake turned to look at Tony. This handsome young man was undoubtedly gay. Jake held out his hand to shake Ashley’s. Thankfully, the dimly-lit room, with only the stage lights and bar area lit up, concealed Jake’s embarrassment. He wasn’t embarrassed about Ashley being gay, but about the fact that he had been ranting and raving earlier, that he had doubted Sharon and made a fool of himself with his jealousy.

Tony dug his fingers into his palm to stop himself from laughing. This was Jake’s competition? This was who Jake was so jealous of? He was doing his best to stifle his laughter. He walked forward to introduce himself and Ashley beamed a cheeky smile at him, overacting his part completely and giving him a wink.

‘I know all about you, Mr Lambrianu, I’ve got magazines at home full of pictures of you.’ Again, Ashley put his hands on his hips, and he looked Tony up and down, as though surveying a masterpiece in a museum. He nodded. ‘May I say, you are just as beautiful in person.’ Now it was Tony’s turn to blush.

Ashley oozed personality and charm. His friendly attitude put people instantly at ease. Mathers had been right, yet again. Ashley was, indeed, the man to be in charge of hosting the entertainment area. He was entertaining on his own.

‘Well,’ said Ashley, opening his arms wide and doing a twirl, ‘what do you think of the entertainment room?’ He went and stood at Sharon’s side and put his arm around her waist, and watched Tony and Jake as they surveyed the room.

‘You’ve both done a fantastic job,’ said Jake. He was smiling at Ashley. He was one of those people that just made you smile. The flair and the energy he gave off made you feel good about yourself. ‘It’s great, isn’t it, Tony?’ Jake turned to Tony, who was looking around properly, checking things out.

Tony walked up and down the laminate flooring, which had different coloured lights reflecting on it from the ceiling. ‘This is absolutely great, and you, Ashley’ – Tony pointed at him and put one hand on his hip to mimic Ashley’s stance – ‘are going to be one great host.’ They all burst out laughing.