‘How was your day?’ I enquire, passing Nico a mug of coffee. He takes it, gratefully, setting it down on the table next to what I refer to as his green canvas. It’s an explosion of summer foliage and reminiscent of the orchard.

‘Mixed. I received some news I didn’t want, but on the other hand I might just have found the right guy to join us.’

‘Well, at least there was some good news in the mix. Actually, before you pick up your brush again, there’s something I’d like to ask you about, although it might mess up your plans.’

He looks at me, pulling a face. ‘Problems?’

‘No. Not really. It’s about Kellie.’

His gaze sharpens. ‘Should I be worried?’

‘No. Everything is fine with Taylor and you were right. I had no idea what happened to him, but he’s confided in Kellie. What draws them together is what they’ve been through, not some unrealistic and transient passion. But Kellie is looking for something; a place where she can find her feet, I think. Her home environment is a battlefield by the sound of it. I know she’s young, but she understands what it really means to survive when something in your head is telling you to give up. Am I making any sense here?’

He shrugs his shoulders. ‘Continue.’

‘It would help her if she could stay on here for a while in some capacity. I know you intend on turning the craft studio into a gym and meditation centre, and I agree it is a wasted space. But I looked through Dee-Dee’s PowerPoint presentations this afternoon; she’s going to ask you if I can assist her next week. I think it’s a useful module to offer if you can find an alternative location. There’s something for everyone and it’s easy to turn a session into a group activity to encourage less able people to participate in a fun way. The origami has great potential for some big disasters, I will admit. Kellie and I both had a go and ended up giggling like schoolgirls. But I can imagine the results would generate a lot of interaction in a very light-hearted way. Kellie could run those sessions with ease. And if Taylor feels comfortable with Kellie, then maybe some of your new visitors would make that connection too.’

Nico is perched on the edge of a stool, one leg thrust out in front of him, but his eyes haven’t moved from my face.

‘On one condition. You supervise her. Dee-Dee is too busy, and I’ve known that for a while. Perhaps next week you and Kellie could partner up and see how it goes.’

I could cheerfully hug him. Instead, I simply raise an eyebrow, very casually, and give him an acknowledging nod.