‘I didn’t realize you played the piano,’ Rupert says, not taking his eyes off her.

‘I learned at school. I’ve tried to keep up with it, but I’m very rusty. I don’t have a piano where I live now,’ Emily replies, brushing her hair away from her face and looking anywhere but at him. ‘I couldn’t resist it. I’m sorry, I should go.’

She trails her fingers over the closed lid before she moves past him, and Rupert catches her by the arm. ‘Emily, there’s no need to apologize. It just caught me by surprise, that’s all. Caro used to play, and the piano hasn’t been used since she died. I should have called and told you I would be leaving work on time.’

‘Oh no, you don’t need to do that.’ Emily shakes her head, smiling slightly. ‘I should get going. I’ve left you dinner in the oven.’

Rupert realizes now that he can smell something delicious on the air, and his stomach gives a low growl.

Emily laughs and her whole face lights up. ‘You’re hungry, then? I’ve made a beef bourguignon. There’s a bit too much for one person, but if I leave you a tub, you can just pop the rest in the freezer.’ She is leading him along the hallway towards the kitchen as she speaks, her bare feet silent on the tiled floor. Rupert breathes in the scent of meaty stew, a clean lemony scent beneath it, and feels a pang, as though finding something he didn’t realize he had lost.

‘There’s enough for two?’ he asks.

‘Well, yes.’ Emily pulls the dish out of the oven, and Rupert notices that there is an open bottle of red wine breathing on the kitchen counter. ‘It’s a bit difficult to make a beef bourguignon for one. But like I said, you can just freeze whatever is left over…’

‘Why don’t you stay?’ The words are out before Rupert has even had a chance to think through the consequences. He looks down, worried that Emily might think he’s overstepped the mark.

‘Stay?’

‘Yes. Only if you want to, of course. It would be nice to have some company for a change. It gets pretty lonely eating on my own every night. Oh, unless you’re busy, that is?’

‘No. No, I’m not busy.’ Emily smiles, and Rupert’s stomach does another flip. ‘That would be lovely, if you’re sure?’

‘Of course. Here, let me.’ Rupert takes the hot dish from her and places it on the table, as Emily brings out plates and cutlery. Rupert grabs two wine glasses and the open bottle of red and pours them both a large glass.