‘Best’s coming? Why?’

‘Mum bumped into him at the supermarket. She invited him over.’

James rolled his eyes. ‘Today? The day before she goes for chemo? Why?’

‘Because she thought it might be good for him? He’s lonely.’

‘But she goes to the hospital tomorrow!’

‘I know. But I think she needs something to take her mind off things. And he’s not that bad.’

‘He’s weird.’

‘He’s not. And he was a good tutor for you.’

‘I guess. He used to ask all kinds of questions about you and mum. And Maggie.’

‘What kind of questions?’

‘Everything. Your jobs, if you had brothers and sisters, if your parents were still alive, where they lived. All kinds of stuff.’

‘He was lonely, James. And it’ll be nice to see him. Come on. Let’s go and have a beer.’

3

They went to a pub in Thelwall, the Feathered Egg, where they had gone as a family for Sunday lunches. When they got back a few minutes after two p.m. there was a car – a blue Ford Focus – parked on the road outside the house. James recognized it from the times he had been to Best’s house for maths tutoring.

‘He’s here,’ he said. ‘Right on time. I was kind of hoping he wouldn’t make it.’

His dad nodded. ‘Be kind, James.’

He would be. The beer – they’d had two pints – had taken his mind off lunch with Best. It was amazing how it did that, how it put a veil between you and the world. It was also good to be able to go out with his dad for a beer. He was interested to see how many people knew him, and how they all seemed pleased to see him; when his dad had gone to the loo, one guy had leaned over to James and muttered that his dad was a great bloke. James had swelled with pride.

Best was in the living room, sitting on the couch. He had a small glass of white wine. Sandra was opposite him; she had a large glass of water.

‘You’re back,’ she said. ‘Mr Best was asking how James got on with his A levels.’ She looked at James expectantly. ‘So?’ she said. ‘How did you get on?’

‘Great,’ he said. ‘Had a really good time. Results come soon.’

Best smiled. ‘How were your studies? Went well?’

‘Really well. It’s very interesting.’

‘Do you still enjoy maths?’

Had he ever enojoyed maths? He was going to study engineering; it was kind of required.

‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I really love it. How about you? Are you well?’

‘Oh, yes.’ Best sipped his wine. ‘I’m fine. Nothing much new since I last saw you.’

‘Do you still live near the school?’