Information-sharing had to wait, as Jack, rather than Cal, called as Emma walked to the station, to ask if he could come for dinner.
‘Nothing wrong, I hope?’ Emma asked, doubting her capacity to deal with additional problems.
‘No, I just want to see you, Mum. If dinner’s too much trouble, I’ll come later.’
‘Don’t be silly, I’d never refuse you a meal. See you around seven.’
‘Sure thing. I’ll bring some fruit for dessert. ‘Bye.’
Jack had seemed almost jaunty, the glint in his eyes clearly visible despite the thumbprints smeared over her wrist-band screen. Emma thought of Olivia, newly installed in the apartment, sleeping in a bed only recently vacated and sharing meals at the small dining table adjacent to the balcony doors. Jack and Olivia, names that could be coupled by more than a c
