“Then we come out into the open-plan part of the flat. We have a couch and TV up in the other corner of the room, kitchen over here…”

Mack took her camera over to the back wall, and Flora saw a very stylish kitchen. “Your kitchen looks like it’s in a showroom,” Flora said.

“That’s probably because I hardly use it. Look.” Mack walked over to the oven and pulled down the door.

“Extremely clean,” Flora said, “like it has never been used.”

“It hasn’t—well, apart from one time I had the flu and Mum came to look after me.”

Flora laughed. “What do you use, then?”

“The toaster, the fridge, the kettle, and the dishwasher. That’s all I need. Do you know how many things you can make with toast?”

Flora laughed and Mack continued, “It’s the gateway to so many meals. Toast with marmite for breakfast, toasted sandwiches for lunch, beans on toast for dinner, french toast—the possibilities are endless.”

Flora laughed and laughed. “I’ve heard of gateway drugs, but never gateway foods to meals.”

Mack flipped the camera back to her and gave Flora a smug look. “I’m right, though, aren’t I?”

“You’re so silly, that’s what I know. Show me the rest.”

Mack flipped the camera back. “Okay, in the middle of the floor here we have a kitchen/dining table. If I have poker night at the flat, we always put this table aside and put the card table here.”

“I’ve never known anyone who’s owned a card table before,” Flora said.

“Well, stick with me—I’m going to blow your mind.” Again she flipped the camera back to her. “Wait till you see this.” Mack walked backward with the phone to the far end of the flat, and a snooker table came into view. “Isn’t this great?” Mack was all smiles.

“Is that a full-size table?” Flora asked.

“Aye, I enjoy beating Jay and Nikki on it.”

“What a beautiful big flat you’ve got. I’m surprised you ever want to leave it,” Flora said.

Mack’s humour appeared to falter. “Nah, it’s big and empty. I don’t like being on my own. That’s why I’ve always spent so much time out at the pub and the casino.”

They were so different, Flora thought. Being alone was her idea of a good night, well, except for being with Mack. Mack was different.

There was a lull in the conversation, so Flora asked, “Do you have a nice view of the River Clyde?”

“Yeah, come and see.”

Mack walked over to the bank of full-size windows that spread from behind the couch and TV area to the other end of the room, where the snooker table was.

“What a view,” Flora said. “You’re lucky.”