It was the end of August, when Eve arrived at White Cottage with a party box of M&S sushi and two bottles of Grüner Veltliner. Eve watched Shelly zip herself into a disposable overall. ‘I guess from the outfit, you’re not joining me as one of the catering staff?’

Shelly laughed and fastened the strap on her yellow builder’s helmet. ‘Nope. Demolition squad, that’s me!’

‘Well, I hope you don’t expect me to dress in that garb, because in truth, I’d rather die!’

DJ rolled his sleeves and grinned. ‘We’ve got a pair of Gucci overalls for you, Eve, so you’ve got no excuse.’

‘Oh, excuse me, young man, I’m pulling rank. Lowly builders are not allowed to interfere with the catering management, if you don’t mind. We’re an entirely superior breed. However, you are exceedingly handsome,’ Eve said with her nose in the air. ‘So, you can, in fact, interfere with me as much as you like.’

‘Eve!’ Shelly cried. ‘Stop flirting with my son. You’re old enough to be his mother.’

‘Like you, you mean?’ Eve replied in a flash, and they all burst into laughter.

Gordon came into the kitchen. ‘I’m starving. ’Ere, d’you want me to stick those fishcakes in the microwave, Eve?’ Gordon asked.

Eve placed her forearm against her forehead and faked a swoon. ‘Touch them with those builder’s fingernails and I will kill you myself, Mr Summer!’

Gordon turned to his grandson. ‘What’ve these girls got yer doing now then, DJ? It looks like Armageddon in ’ere!’

DJ lifted his mask. ‘We’re taking the chimney breast down, Gramps. It takes up too much room. When it’s gone, and we’ve decorated, Mum’s going to take you into town to buy the biggest TV in the shop.’

Gordon’s frown faded. ‘Is that so? Then I’ll give yer a ’and, lad. Do any of you know what you’re doing?’

‘Not without a mask and goggles, you won’t,’ Shelly said, thrusting a set towards him.

He threw her a dirty look, picked up the scissors and cut a small hole in the centre of the mask before putting it on.

‘That kind of defeats the object, Gramps!’

‘Don’t care, I needs me smoke, lad. Be grateful I’ve given up the baccy and let me get on with me vape without a drama.’

DJ grinned with hero worship.

Gordon continued. ‘Now, are you sure this is safe? Has anyone checked?’

‘Yes, Dad, we got the professionals in. The surveyor said it’s not supporting anything because the upstairs chimney was taken out thirty years ago.’

‘Right then, no more shirking, people. Let’s get on with the job. DJ, swing that mallet, lad.’