‘All the warmer for seeing you,’ Nancy said, wriggling deliciously in his arms, not caring if anyone saw them. Who of their acquaintance would be around, anyway? All the people she knew would be with their families, sitting in their tedious parlours, eating yesterday’s leftovers and trying to stay festive. It didn’t bear thinking about. The WVS canteen was shut and so none of her colleagues would be about. Besides, she was so wrapped up in the delight of seeing Gary that at that moment she didn’t give a fig.

‘Come on, let’s go and celebrate our own Christmas,’ she said, taking his arm and drawing him along the pavement. ‘You can tell me all about what you do in America. If you were back there now, how would you be spending Boxing Day?’

Gary smiled, his eyes alight. ‘Well, I certainly wouldn’t be doing this,’ he said, leading her along and pausing before the door of a cosy but select-looking hotel doorway. ‘Shall we go in?’ He pretended to bow. ‘I hear they do all sorts of Christmas specialties in here.’

Nancy looked up. ‘Oooh, I’ve never been in. I’ve walked past loads of times, though.’ She walked in eagerly, curious to know what the place was like inside, never having dared try it before. It was without a doubt what Gary would call a classy joint, with thick carpets deadening any noise and subtle lighting, making it feel warm and welcoming and yet with a definite touch of luxury.

Gary stepped across to the reception desk and spoke in a low voice to the smartly dressed woman on duty. She smiled and gave him a key.

‘Come on,’ he said, returning to Nancy. ‘I’ve told her our luggage is coming along later. So we don’t need no porter to follow us up to our room.’

‘Oh, Gary.’ Nancy shivered in anticipation. This was a big step up from their previous assignations in pubs far from the centre, even more special than the hotel after Gloria’s concert. She felt as if he no longer cared if they were seen together either – that he was proud to have her on his arm, to be seen in public with her, like a proper couple. He must really care about her, to bring her somewhere like this. ‘Come on, then, show me where this room is. I can’t wait to see it.’ She widened her eyes at him and it was all he could do not to break into a run while picking her up in his arms then and there. Eagerly they hurried upstairs.