‘How’s the world of manufacturing engineering?’ I ask, mainly to divert the blood from my face to my brain.

He rubs his beard thoughtfully. ‘I’d say… as boring as IT project management.’

‘Hey, I love my job.’

‘I know. That did make me wonder if I’d had a narrow escape before.’

I laugh. ‘You’re a bit of a cheeky one, aren’t you?’

‘Think I do that to cover up that I’m nervous.’

I expect this comment to be paired with a mischievous grin, but his face is neutral, which makes me warm to him even more. He’s so open, just says it as it is. Such a refreshing quality.

‘So, you’re nervous?’ I tease him.

‘And you’re not?’

‘You know when a washing machine goes on spin cycle?’

‘No. My mum does all my washing.’

As he says this alarm bells clang in my head. He’s a mummy’s boy? I knew this was too good to be true.

Matt gives a little wave to bring my attention back. ‘Probably the time to tell you I’m joking, right? By the look on your face, you’re about thirty seconds from the “I’ve just had a family emergency” call.’

I burst into relief-fuelled laughter. ‘Seriously? I thought that was real. Might be an idea to tone it down a bit. At least til I’ve got the basic facts.’

‘Sorry. I’ll try and reel it in.’

The waiter returns with our drinks and a small jar of what looks like seasoned corn kernels. We thank him and as he walks away, Matt lifts his drink and looks me straight in the eye.

‘Cheers, Alex. Nice to finally have a drink with you again.’

I raise my own glass, clinking it against his. ‘It sure is.’

We sip at our drinks while admiring the view, then simultaneously reach for the nibbles, causing our fingers to collide. I snatch my hand away as he does exactly the same, then we look at each other and start to laugh.

‘You go,’ he prompts me, grinning.

‘Thanks.’

I take a few pieces of corn, then he does the same.

‘I know you’ve been here a few months now, but how are you settling in?’

‘Fine.’ I nod, cringing a little as I crunch loudly on the corn.

‘Don’t worry. I can barely hear you over my own horse-like munching.’

‘They’re really good, but not sure they’re first date snacks.’

‘Unless you’re a horse,’ he points out.

I accidentally snort – horse-like – in amusement and then redden at Matt’s resulting laugh. ‘I’m settling really well,’ I say, keen to move us along. ‘I love working on Brindley Place. It’s got a great buzz, and it’s such a treat to be able to take a lunchtime walk along the canal – on the days I actually manage a lunch break.’

‘I know the feeling.’ Matt grimaces. ‘A bad habit working through lunch, but for me it’s a choice between that and working late every day.’

‘Totally.’ I abandon the corn and sip at my drink instead, enjoying the warmth from the alcohol, complemented by the spicy botanicals and the bitterness of the tonic.