‘And you’re an uncle? On her mother’s or father’s side? No, wait, sorry – you mentioned her father, didn’t you. He’s not here?’

The girl scanned the table, perhaps looking for some father she’d simply missed.

‘He’s not here. He lives in America now.’

‘Ooh, a long journey. And really, such short notice – I’m not surprised he couldn’t make it!’

Her laugh was ugly, a breathy har-har-har with no mirth behind it.

‘Yes, they really did take us all by surprise with this one. I mean, only my mother had even met Clio before last week. I suppose you don’t really know Danny, either?’

‘I was on the tour with both of them last year. A few months ago now.’

‘Ah yes, where they fell in loooove.’ It occurred to him that the girl might possibly be drunk; her wine glass was empty.

‘So are you in her band, then? That’s nice. Nice to keep it in the family. Does the mother play music too?’

The mother. He stood up gently.

‘If you’ll excuse me just for a moment …’

The girl nodded, relieved. Across the table, Eileen tried to command him to stay with panicked eyes.

It was cool and quiet in the corridor to the toilets, and he just paused there for a while, allowed himself to stretch out to his full height.

‘Did you run away too?’

‘Hello, Cliodhna girl. How is married life?’

She seemed almost sleepy.

‘I think it suits me fine so far.’

‘Have you left your mother in there by herself?’

‘She’s fine. Danny is being all charming and shit. He’s talking her ear off and she’s loving it. Rather him than me.’

‘At least she came, love.’

‘At least she came.’

‘She’s just nervous. You know how she gets. It’s a strange situation for anyone.’

‘I’ll drink to that.’ She raised a glass she’d brought with her.

He decided to steer the topic off for a while. ‘So, the society pages, eh?’

‘I knew you’d have something to say about that. Danny’s idea. He thought it would be good for my profile, keep me in the public eye and whatnot till I’m ready to do some new material.’

‘Aye.’

‘Ach, what harm, Uncle Donald? I look pretty today. Let people see me.’

‘Aye.’

‘Anyway, will I let you get back to it? Back to Danny’s lovely sister?’

‘Cliodhna. She’s a child. Listen, lass. Your mother. Are you going to talk to her before she goes?’

‘Not if she’s just going to nitpick—’

‘She won’t. I promise you. And she’s come all this way.’

‘OK, OK. But only for you.’