He’s wearing a suit and as he walks across the pub I realize he looks like all the other city boys crowding the bar downing pints. And such a contrast to me and Sophie, both in jeans. It strikes me as a bit odd—I mean, I know he said he was calling into work, but why not change into something more casual to meet us? Unless he plans to take me somewhere suit-worthy for dinner. I hope not—I want to be somewhere I can kick my shoes off, lean back, and eat comfort food. I look at Sophie. She’s forever mocking the city boys—I don’t want her to see Max as one of them.

“Hey, Tess,” Max says with a big smile. “And you must be Sophie? Can I get you both a drink?”

It’ll be fine, I tell myself as he comes back over with a tray of drinks. He’s Max.

“Well?” I say, leaning in toward Sophie as soon as Max leaves to find the men’s room.

“He’s certainly good-looking,” she says.

I wince. “You don’t like him.”

“It’s not that. What’s not to like? He’s charming, attentive, tells good jokes…”

“But?”

“It’s not really a but. It’s just…I don’t know. He’s almost too charming. Like it’s an act. I’m sorry—I’m being a cow, aren’t I? He’s probably being his most charming self to impress me and I’m being a right surly bitch.” She sighs. “He just seems so different from the person I thought you’d end up with. He’s so ambitious and…and…well groomed.”

I snort with laughter and spit some of my drink out, spraying her with strawberry daiquiri.

“Oh, nice, Cooper. Very nice,” she says, wiping her face with a napkin.

“Sorry, but—he’s too well groomed?”

She grins. “You know what I mean. He’s so smooth and slick. You like gardening and running, your wardrobe runs to jeans and Lycra. But I guess opposites attract and you can’t listen to me when I’ve only known him for the time it takes to down three strawberry daiquiris.”

Opposites? I never used to think of us as opposites.

“But seriously,” Sophie says, touching my hand. “If he’s the one good thing that comes out of such an awful time, then I’m all for it.”

She smiles up at Max when he returns and reaches for her coat. “Well, guys, I’m off. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t.” She winks at me as she says it and dissolves into laughter as I shove her hard on the shoulder.

“So where do you want to eat?” Max asks after we’ve waved Sophie off in a taxi. “I saw a nice Italian place on my way here.”