Toni throws back the remaining contents of her glass and rakes a hand through her curly black hair. ‘I was just telling Dean that there have been some break-ins in the neighbourhood, over in Grant Street and one on Nolan.’

‘That’s no good,’ Oli says.

‘Yeah. Jewellery and electronics. Some cash.’ Toni ticks the items off on her fingers. ‘Definitely worth being extra careful.’

‘Absolutely.’ Oli has found that despite their expensive security systems and overblown insurance policies, people in this area are much more worried about being burgled than those in her old suburb.

Toni slides off the chair and straightens her fitted T-shirt. ‘I should be off. I’m sure the boys haven’t done a scrap of homework, and god knows what state the house is in.’

‘Thanks for helping out, Tones,’ Dean says. ‘You’re a lifesaver.’

‘Oh, no problem! Any time. It’s always nice to hang out with the girls. Such a pleasant change to my stinky boys, god love them.’ Toni gives Amy a tight hug. ‘Good to see you, hon. Let me know how you go with your project, okay?’

Amy nods, smiling up at her.

‘It was nice to meet you, Nathan.’ Toni shakes his hand.

‘Absolutely.’ He nods and grips her hand. ‘Very nice.’

Oli exchanges a smile with Dean. Clearly Nathan is taken with Toni.

‘I’ll just duck in and say bye to Kate.’ Toni waves at Oli and kisses Dean on the cheek. ‘You guys have a great week! Might catch you on the weekend.’ She exits the kitchen, an attractive ball of energy.

‘Want some dinner, Oli?’ Dean clears his throat, plucking Toni’s empty glass from the bench before rinsing it out. His face is flushed; he’s clearly had more than one drink, which is unusual.

Despite the chips she ate earlier, Oli is still starving. ‘Sure. What is it?’

‘Salmon. Toni whipped it up.’

‘It’s very good,’ Nathan says.

Oli wrinkles her nose. She’d kill for a steak or maybe some pasta.

Dean arranges the food on a large white plate. He opens his mouth as if to speak, then seems to change his mind. He pours himself a glass of water.

‘Thanks.’ Oli sits on the chair Toni vacated. It’s still warm. ‘How are you, Nathan?’

He presses his lips together, nods. ‘Oh, you know, not bad. Dean is keeping me on my toes. No doubt I’d be in a hopeless mess without him.’

‘Nathan did a great job today.’ Dean sips his water as he watches Oli shake soy sauce onto her meal. ‘Go easy on that, Ol, it’s full of salt.’

She puts the bottle down and avoids eye contact with him. Dean puts it back in the cupboard.

‘Hey, Ames, time to get ready for bed, please.’ Dean’s tone doesn’t invite argument. ‘Tell your sister.’

Amy closes the laptop abruptly. ‘Goodnight,’ she says.

‘Night, Amy,’ chime Oli and Nathan.