I’m so sorry, Ben. My babysitter has let me down. There is no one else to look after Jordan.

The longest five minutes ever pass with no reply. She wonders if he is angry or disappointed with her; and then she sees him typing a response.

Bring him along.

Elaine blinks and smiles.

Really? Are you sure?

Of course. I’d love to meet him. I’ll ask the restaurant to set up an extra seat.

That’s so sweet. Thank you. X

The driver just messaged me. He’s pulling up outside. He’s in a silver Toyota Prius.

Great! See you soon. XXXXXXXXXXX

‘Jordan, get your coat. We’re going out to dinner.’

The paracetamol starts to kick in and to her relief the pain has become a manageable dull throb. Elaine feels a bounce in her mood. What a lovely gesture inviting Jordan along. She has a good feeling about this date. Ben has always liked her, apparently. He told her she’d been a year above him and she was always way too cool to notice him. She didn’t know what to say to that but the truth was she really couldn’t remember him. Who remembers kids younger than you at school anyway? But that doesn’t matter anymore. It makes her feel special to think that she had a secret admirer all those years ago. Especially one who’s grown into a handsome prince and has never forgotten her. It is like a story from a romcom. She almost giggles at the silliness of it, but she can’t help but be excited. She knows in her heart that tonight will be the start of something new. Not just for her, but for Jordan too.

She moistens a hanky with her tongue and wipes the chocolate from Jordan’s cheek. He pulls a face and backs away, but years of practice ensure she hits the target. She helps him with his hoodie, grabs her green puffer jacket and ushers Jordan out of the flat. He doesn’t seem to mind, as long as he is with her, or so she likes to think.

The silver Uber is parked in the shadows near the entrance of the estate. The driver flashes his lights at them as they hurry down the steps.

‘Where are we going?’ asks Jordan.

‘I don’t know darlin’. It’s a surprise.’

‘What sort of food is it?’

‘I don’t know, baby.’

She stands by the driver’s window and waves at him. He is wearing a cap and dark glasses, which is odd for this time of evening. Perhaps he thinks he looks cool. He doesn’t. ‘It’s Elaine for Ben. Ben Peters?’

The driver nods and beckons them to get into the back.

Ten minutes into the drive Elaine’s curiosity get the better of her. ‘Where are we going?’ she asks the driver.

He ignores her and she looks at Jordan and shrugs.