‘No, I’m in mum mode, not psychologist mode, July. Tell me about him.’

‘Right now?’ she asks. I reach for my glass of wine and take a sip.

‘Yeah. How did you meet?’

‘I don’t want to talk about this with you.’

‘Oh, come on, darling. Tell me. Was it online or at the library, or where?’

‘If you must know we met online.’

Why did he choose you? Who is this about? I ask myself. Did he start seeing me because of July, or did he start seeing July to mess with me? There is a third possibility. Maybe this is all about gaming. Maybe he wants to go after Evan. He could have tracked us all down online. ‘And how long ago was it that you met?’

‘Three or four months. We didn’t meet in real life until about two months ago.’

Four months. Which means he made contact with July online before me. ‘Things are moving quickly, then?’

‘Don’t, Mum.’

‘It’s just an observation, July. No judgement.’

She looks back at her phone. Another message has come through. I squeeze the bridge of my nose.

‘I guess things are moving quickly, but I like him.’

‘Have you met his parents?’

‘Weren’t you listening? They’re away.’

‘Oh, of course.’

‘What about his friends? Or his sister?’

‘Mum, what is this about?’

‘I’m just curious, July. You’ve had your heart broken before.’

She rolls her eyes. ‘I met his sister, yes. But he’s focusing on his studies so hasn’t been hanging out with his friends much. I thought that would impress you.’

‘That’s nice, July,’ I say, drinking the last of my wine. So she has met his sister, or someone Cormac claims is his sister, at least. ‘I’m glad you’re happy.’

Cormac was dating the barista at the same time, and she had seen his place. The words feel sticky in my mouth, they’re hard to get out, but I have to ask. ‘Have you guys … been intimate?’

‘Mum!’

Gabe leans through the doorframe, looking in. ‘What’s going on?’