Anyway, I had nobody to hang on to, so I settled for deep concentration. Luckily by the time Noah commented on my new look, I’d been able to grasp the back of a chair and no longer had my tongue stuck out (apparently this is a habit when I’m concentrating – thanks for that Robbie).

The bar is relaxed and erring towards traditional. Not what I’d expect as Noah’s first choice – though maybe he’s off his beaten track as well. He probably doesn’t want to put off potential dates by being seen cosying up to me.

Talking of which …

Oh God, he’s steered us straight to a cosy romantic corner! I stop dead. I can’t help it. Maybe I should have had a bottle or three of wine before I attempted this. Is this really what he thinks we need to do before I meet Steve tomorrow?

‘Thought this would be good, where we won’t be disturbed and you can say what you want,’ the corner of his mouth quirks, ‘not that anything would stop you doing that. No hands I promise! Here we go!’

The drinks magically arrive at the table the second we’re sitting down. My cocktail actually looks quite nice. Very nice. ‘Good job.’ Oh hell, that sounds like I’m praising a toddler who’s conquered potty training. ‘I mean, er, lovely, I’m impressed.’ Ouch, where did that come from? I sound like my mother. I can feel the colour start to leach into my face.

‘What do you call a sad strawberry?’

‘I have no idea. Is this a chat-up line, or part of the lesson?’

‘A blueberry!’

‘That’s terrible!’ I laugh despite myself, and instantly the embarrassment disappears. Noah grins and I realise him being happy makes me feel happy.

‘Courtesy of a nephew. Sorry. I’ve got more?’

‘I’m not sure how many I can take.’

‘What do you call a strawberry playing the guitar? No?’ I shake my head. ‘A jam session!’

I groan. ‘Another nephew joke?’

‘Oh no, that’s all my own work! It was my comeback joke. I think I’ve peaked!’

His grin is decidedly naughty, and I don’t know if I can totally blame the glow in my cheeks on the cocktail.

‘When I got here and you said I’d made you forget your chat-up line, that was a chat-up line, wasn’t it?’

His grin morphs into a big smile. ‘You’re a quick learner. Guilty as charged! Hang in there though, they get better!’

‘Nobody ever tell you you’re cheesy?’ I roll my eyes and take a sip of my cocktail.

‘And you’re the sweet chutney that makes me complete.’

‘Oh, pu-key. How far will you go?’

‘As far as it takes.’ His eyes are twinkling. I’m enjoying myself. This isn’t hard at all. Being with Noah is fun, and chilled.

I tip my head on one side and study him. ‘You don’t even mind if I laugh at you, do you?’

He shakes his head. ‘Not at all. This is about you, not me.’