A few minutes later he returned to the table with the drinks and a number for their food. ‘I ordered chicken wings as well, to sweeten the deal.’

‘Nice move. All right, first things first, where is this dinner tomorrow night?’

‘The tapas bar on Keely Street.’

‘Okay that’s good, close by, I wouldn’t have to travel. Now, why did you lie about already having a girlfriend?’

‘Umm, because I’m a coward and a dickhead.’

‘I like your honesty. Next question, is this your way of trying to get me to see you again or do you genuinely need a one-off date? Because I’m not interested in a relationship. I like keeping things casual.’

‘That’s absolutely fine by me. Casual is perfect. It really is a one-off date so I don’t get caught out.’

‘But what happens when your ex expects to see you with a girlfriend again next time?’

‘I’ll say we broke up.’

‘Hmm. Your ex and her partner — are they fun? Interesting? Will I have a good time at this dinner?’

‘Last week they got me blind drunk on shots. Does that answer your question?’

‘It might. I like people who can put a few drinks away. Okay, I’m in. I have no plans for tomorrow night, so why not?’

She leaned in then and kissed him, long and slow.

‘What did I do to deserve that?’ he asked when she eventually pulled back.

‘Right place, right time,’ she said with a shrug.

He wondered if he should tell her the purpose of the dinner with Charlotte and Steph but reconsidered. He seemed to have met the unicorn of women. Sexy, confident and willing to help out on a weird sort of half-date. That information could come later, he didn’t want to push his luck.

*

Andrea

Andrea had realised that the main reason she’d remained noncommittal about Christmas drinks was in case Violet needed her. And she’d also realised that that was ridiculous. For God’s sake, she wasn’t the child’s mother. Tony was right, it wasn’t her business and she couldn’t keep interfering. Yesterday after school she’d lingered outside Heather’s apartment to listen in and make sure everything was all right. A voice had come from behind her. ‘Can I help you with something?’

She’d turned around to see Heather walking towards her from the lift, hand in hand with Violet. They looked like a perfectly normal mother-daughter duo.

Andrea had muttered an excuse and slunk away, embarrassed.