‘Sam’s company wasn’t quite that bad,’ Paul said, and shuffled his chair back out of kicking range.

‘You can hardly talk,’ I said and pointed to the abandoned bag. ‘I’d hazard a guess you’ve been a zot down at the library?’

‘Assignments don’t have an if-it’s-a-sunny-day-you-can-skive-off-to-the-beach-and-make-the-most-of-it-instead clause. I wish they did.’ Maggie looked dressed for just such a sunny-day clause, complete with knotted hibiscus-patterned sarong skirt and white-rimmed Jackie-O style sunglasses balanced jauntily atop her head. ‘There were plenty of other poor unfortunates to keep me company in purgatory. And there was one positive – I got asked out on a date.’

‘Ooh, by who? Tell me more.’

‘You’ll laugh.’

‘He’s in the police?’ I said.

‘No, I’m not that desperate,’ she remembered the company and made a hasty apology. ‘Sorry, Paul.’ He waved her off. ‘Besides, when was the last time you saw a policeman in the university library?’

‘Considering I’ve never set foot in the place, that would be fairly obvious.’

‘They might have been doing a drugs raid,’ Paul said. ‘You know what they say about students.’

‘Rampant stereotypes aside, I got asked out by one of those earnest, long-haired, pale-faced, skinny, studious types.’

‘And what did you say?’

‘Well, considering he is drop-dead gorgeous, tall and, despite being a bit skinny, has broad shoulders and a make-your-insides-melt voice, I had no choice but to say yes.’

‘Doop, doop, doop, back up the bus a moment. Didn’t we have this conversation a few days ago and didn’t you say, in rather absolute terms, never the earnest types?’

Maggie shrugged her shoulders and said in a way that made it look like she was powerless to resist, ‘Lust: what can I tell you? It’s a fickle thing.’

‘So that’s where I’ve been going wrong,’ Paul said. ‘All this time I’ve been thinking the chicks go for the macho types, and it’s the pasty, nerdy boys who you girls dig. Maybe I should grow my hair long, stay indoors and get me some glasses.’

‘Oh no, I think Sam goes for the hunky outdoor type. Stick with that strategy, you’ll be alright.’

‘So if I keep up the tan and the workouts, I’m in with a chance?’

‘Yeah, she’s a buns-and-abs girl. Yours look mighty fine to me, so just pile on the charm and you’ll crack her.’

‘Excuse me,’ I said, amazed at the course of conversation. ‘I am in the room, you know.’

‘Yeah, yeah, we know,’ Maggie said, before turning her attention back to Paul. ‘Where are you going to take her for dinner tonight?’

‘I thought Nova looked good.’

‘You’re making a few assumptions here, aren’t you?’ I piped up from the cheap seats.

‘Shhhh.’ Maggie frowned in my direction. ‘Nova’s good. Good food, great wine list.’

‘She’ll like that, then?’

‘Sure bet.’

‘Hello, do I get any say in this?’