‘Yeah, great, thanks. Maybe we should have a drink some time. Meet Gilly.’

‘Yeah, we could do a double date, he’d love that!’ There was sarcasm in my tone but Ian didn’t pick up on it. He was a straightforward kind of guy.

‘Cool, text me some dates.’

We both knew that would never happen.

When I checked my texts, there was a message from Matty. Twenty mins x.

I pulled a face to myself. I had just ended a phone call quickly, only to be told it was another twenty minutes. It was late October and a premonitory chill was in the air. September had been cool and wet but the sun had come out again the last couple of weeks, just in time for the leaves going golden, as if to fool us all before we were plunged into winter. I had come out inadequately dressed for the time of year, in a scoop-necked top with short sleeves and a thin cut-off jacket, red denim, a colour that flattered me. Matty was always late, even though he hated it when I was, and I thought to myself, I should know better by now. I must remember to arrange to meet him indoors. Street corners weren’t a good idea with winter on its way.

Another text. Make it half an hour. Not even a kiss by way of apology.

Right, well, I was damned if I was standing outside Burger King for half an hour. I’d go to Nero, if it was still open, and text him to meet me there.

I was still looking at my phone as I pushed myself away from the wall and turned to the right, so I almost ran into him.

He was very close, right in front of me, a cold smile on his face, and as I gave a small jolt of surprise he said, ‘And where are you off to then?’

‘Oh, hello you!’ I said, disconcerted by his tone, then kissed him.

He returned my kiss in a brief, brusque manner, planting his lips on mine then pulling back. ‘Who were you talking to?’

I smiled. ‘Nice try, mister, how about sorry I’m late?’

‘I’m not late. You were early.’

I lifted my left arm, my hand bent back at my wrist, pantomiming checking a watch even though I wasn’t wearing one. ‘You said half six.’

‘Yes, but you were here before half six.’

‘How do you know?’

He reached out a hand and took hold of a fistful of the hair at the back of my head and brought my face very close to his, our noses almost touching. ‘You’re mine, aren’t you? I know everything.’

I was still smiling. He was joking, wasn’t he? This was clowning around, right?