Shelly struggled. She needed more time with her son before she told him about his father. But her feelings were bubbling to the surface, she had no choice.

‘Your father would have wanted that. He was a recreational diver when I met him, but he planned to go on to greater things.’

‘Please, tell me about him. Where is he now?’

She glanced around the café. Another couple had come in and were drinking coffee, and three giggling girls were at the counter. Shelly smiled sadly. ‘Look, it seems impossible now, but I was about their age when I fell in love with your father.’ She nodded at the laughing teenagers. ‘We went on holiday together. Me, your dad, and his friend Simon.’ She paused and took a deep breath. ‘There was a diving accident . . . I didn’t even know I was pregnant with you at that point.’ Shelly had to stop and calm herself, as she always did when this subject arose. ‘Sorry, but do you think we could save that for our next meeting? This is such a huge occasion for me. I don’t want to rush it, or let it overwhelm me.’ She tried to smile, but a tic caught the corner of her mouth so she covered it with her hand. He nodded but stared gloomily at the table. Shelly continued. ‘Just let me tell you this, DJ. If things had been different, your father would have loved you like no other. He was the sweetest, kindest man imaginable and, oh, how I loved him.’

*

By the time Shelly got home, it was almost eight o’clock.

‘I’m sorry to be so late, Dad. I’ve had the most amazing experience.’

‘What have you done to your hair?’

‘Oh – I’d forgotten – had a haircut. Eve talked me into it. She’s trying to glam me up before I return to Greece. It’s so expensive, though! She doesn’t realise I have commitments.’

‘You have commitments?’

Shelly turned away quickly. Had he really forgotten? He seemed to be forgetting so much lately. ‘Well, you know, the business and everything. Anyway, enough of that. How’s your day been?’

‘Good. Bill’s daughter ran him over this afternoon and we’ve been discussing race strategy. We’ve eaten; fish pie and baked beans. Shall I ding a portion for you?’

Shelly laughed. ‘Honestly, I’ll bet it’s delicious, but I’ve got so much to tell you, Dad, I’d rather do it over a bottle of wine as you’ve eaten already.’

‘You’d better open a packet of crisps then, or you’ll be hungover tomorrow. So why are you late, Shelly love. Is everything all right?’

She stared at him, trying to decide, and then she knew, it was time for the secrets to end. ‘Sit down a minute, Dad. I’ve got something to tell you. But first, we’re having a drink, can I get you a beer?’