‘Not at all. It’s nice to get some peace and quiet. It’s so important to me – silence is something I treasure, but I experience it so rarely.’ She looked right into Kirsty’s eyes. ‘Anyway, I’ve been watching Chris most of the morning – but it got a bit noisy out there so I came in here. Is Paul still out there?’

‘Oh yes,’ Heather grinned. ‘He’s having a fabulous time.’

Kirsty nudged her. ‘He’s a real speed freak, isn’t he. Is he speedy at everything?’

‘No way. The Paul I’m coming to know is slow and gentle.’

Jamie returned with a tray of teas and chips. ‘Stop it, please, or I’ll throw up.’ He sat down. ‘Actually, I’m really pleased you two got together.’

Heather’s smile widened. ‘So am I.’

‘Why didn’t you admit that you fancied him?’ said Kirsty. ‘We could have fixed you up long ago.’

‘Well, I did try dropping hints. Quite explicit ones, if I remember correctly. But we’re together now, that’s the important thing.’

Kirsty touched her friend’s hand. ‘You seem really happy.’

‘I am. It’s all happened so fast – this great rush of emotion. A thunderclap, almost. Now I feel like we’ve wasted years and we’ve got so much to catch up on. Paul’s so funny and sweet and…’

‘Behind you,’ said Jamie.

They looked up. Paul had come into the cafe, his fringe stuck to his brow where he had been sweating beneath his crash helmet. He came over, bent down to kiss Heather on the lips, then said, ‘This is so excellent. I love it. It’s brilliant.’

‘We thought you were having a good time,’ said Jamie.

‘Too right. But now I want a go on the other track.’

Lucy said, ‘Well, here’s Chris. He’ll take you over to that track if you want.’ She looked up at Chris as he came over, swinging his crash helmet in his right hand. ‘Paul wants a go on the advanced track.’

‘Does he? The big boys’ track. Do you think you’re ready then, mate?’

Paul nodded. ‘Ready, willing and able.’

Chris looked at his watch. ‘Come on then. No time like the present.’

‘Aren’t you going to stop for a drink?’ asked Heather.

Paul kissed her quickly. ‘I won’t be long. I’ll just give Chris a quick thrashing, then I’ll be back.’

‘A quick thrashing? You’re hoping, mate. You might just catch a glimpse of me in the distance.’

They walked out together.

‘Boys,’ said Kirsty, sipping her tea.

‘He won’t beat Chris though,’ said Lucy, seriously. ‘Nobody ever does.’

Heather looked at her. ‘We’ll see.’

They stayed in the café for another half-hour, finishing their drinks and eating their chips. They stayed there until they heard the bang.