‘You’re not so bad,’ she said. ‘I still think you stormed out earlier than you needed to from that party, but I’m sorry. It was an awful scene. I should have left with you. I was just – I had it in my head that I was doing the right thing, that the right thing is difficult sometimes, antithetical, that the right thing involves hurting people. It would be easier just to be nice, but there’s something larger at stake.’

‘That, and you were high and horny and fancied him.’

‘Well, that too. But if I had the choice again, I would leave with you.’

‘Really?’

‘Really. Though think of the fun we could have—’

‘Oh, look – it’s your dad.’

Andrew and Emily were walking in the door at the front of the shop. Andrew made himself smile at me and walked over to us with his hand on the small of his faithless fiancée’s back. He nodded at me then turned to his daughter.

‘Hello, Sophie! You’ve been very busy in print.’

‘So’ve you, Dad.’

He moved forwards and kissed her, then he held out his hand to me. I took it, and leaned over to kiss Emily too.

‘Are you well, Paul?’ he said, squinting a little.

‘I’m well,’ I said.

Helen came over, tapped Emily on the shoulder and asked her to sign some stock. That left Sophie and me alone with her father.

‘How are you, darling?’ he said.

‘I told you, I’m fine,’ I said.

Both of them looked at me and shook their heads. Leo strode towards us, brandishing his book and beaming.

‘I just need to use the toilet,’ I said, and walked off.

*

I had never been so pleased to see Amy as when I returned to the shop floor. She was frowning, looking in the direction of Sophie and Leo.

‘Thank God I’ve found you,’ we said simultaneously. ‘Thanks for coming,’ I said.

‘I’m not sure I would have, if I’d known that she would be here. I thought that was over.’

‘She’s all right.’

‘You seem committed to deceiving yourself about that.’

‘Honestly, she can be quite lovely. It’s just not her official brand. And don’t worry. It’s over between us. Almost certainly.’

‘What happened? And why would you want to be with someone whose best quality is being less obnoxious than she seems? Watch out: she’s spotted us.’

She had. She was looking over Leo’s book while he talked to her. I watched her put her hand on his arm.

‘She’s flirting with him because I’m watching,’ I said. ‘The man is unfanciable. It’s sad, really.’

‘Is he unfanciable?’ said Amy.

‘Don’t say things like that. I can’t afford to fall out with you for good too.’