She gazed at him, still amazed that she’d produced such a handsome man. He was really a looker, he could actually have been a male model if he had been that way inclined. There were plenty of them now, on TV adverts and in all the magazines. They were real men too – not like the nancy boys of old. Her Michael could have been in films, he was that fecking handsome. He had the rugged good looks that most men would kill for. He could have any girl he wanted, yet he had eyes for no one except Josephine Callahan. He was throwing himself away, but he could not see that. He was obsessed with her.

She decided to change the subject. ‘How’s it going with the Costellos, son?’

Michael shrugged as usual. She knew he was not going to give her bell, book and candle. He never discussed anything with her any more.

‘Great. There’s a party at Patrick’s house tomorrow, why don’t you come? It’s his wedding anniversary. It will be a great night, Mum. Plenty of drink, great food, and a live band as well. You should really think of coming along with me and Josephine.’

Hannah grimaced. She had known about the party for weeks, but he’d said not a word to her about going with him. ‘Oh, you and young Josephine wouldn’t want me with you.’

Michael shook his head. His mother was such a bitter pill these days. He knew that Josephine had asked her to come with them ages ago but, as usual, she had totally blanked her.

It was starting to irritate him. She still treated Josephine as if she was no more than a casual acquaintance of his, even though they were on the verge of getting married. He had tried to keep the peace, tried to pretend that there wasn’t any problem, but it was getting harder and harder to keep up the pretence. His mother went through stages of acknowledging Josephine existed. Then she would revert to ignoring her, and Josephine would allow her to treat her like shit. It wasn’t on. He had really had enough.

‘Josephine would love you to come with us, Mum, as you know.’

Hannah sighed and, looking at her son quizzically, she said haughtily, ‘Oh, I don’t think that’s really the case now, Michael, do you?’