‘I’d better get on,’ says Diane, putting gentle hands on my shoulders. ‘I’ve got more packing to do.’

‘Sit down at the breakfast table for once in your life,’ says Michael, scanning the breakfast offerings.

‘Michael, I have a day ahead of me you wouldn’t believe,’ says Diane. ‘My flight leaves after lunch. What’s the point of me watching other people eat when I have a million things to do?’

‘Well, you could eat something yourself,’ Michael laughs. ‘For a change.’

Diane puts hands to her skinny waist. ‘There aren’t enough calories in the day for breakfast.’

‘Come on. Our charming guest here wants you to stay. Are there any eggs, Diane?’

‘Michael. Liberty is vegan. I’m not going to put out food she can’t eat.’

‘Right.’ Michael scratches the back of his neck. ‘Uh … well, mushrooms look great.’

‘Hang on.’ Diane ties her apron string tighter. ‘I’ll put some chocolate croissants in for you, Michael. Okay? I know how you are with a hangover.’

Michael laughs. ‘A fussy bastard. Is that what you mean?’

‘You said it. Liberty, does this look all right for you? Is there anything else I can get? What do you usually have for breakfast?’

‘This looks great,’ I say. ‘Sometimes I have a fruit plate. But it’s okay.’ I think of Mum.

Michael seems to read my mind. ‘Do you need someone to drive you home today, Liberty?’

‘It’s okay,’ I say. ‘I can catch the bus. I don’t want to put anyone out, and Skywalker is a pain in the back of a car. Paws everywhere.’

‘It’s a long way to go on your own, love.’ Diane tidies napkins. ‘Are you sure we can’t drive you?’

‘Don’t suffocate the girl, Diane,’ says Michael. ‘She’ll have had enough of that from her mother. If she wants to catch the bus, let her catch the bus. Liberty has a good head on her shoulders. And she’s sixteen years old. Practically an adult. She made it here by herself. She can make it back.’ He gives me a clumsy pat on the shoulder. ‘Let’s go for a walk after breakfast, shall we? See the studio? Have a catch-up?’

‘Yes. That would be great.’

‘You’ll love the music studio. It’s this beautiful little cottage out in the woods. You can see all my equipment – it’s a musician’s dream. And we can have a bit of a jam session and chat at the same time.’

‘Sure. Okay. Sounds like a great idea. And we’ll definitely talk today?’

Michael laughs. ‘Yes. Who’s your favourite musician?’

‘Joan Jett.’

‘Joan Jett, Joan Jett … she plays a Gibson Melody Maker, right?’

‘Yes.’

‘I have one of those out at the studio. You can play it. See how it feels.’

‘Wow.’