I introduce Jenny to Jeffrey. He shows us into the kitchen. We decline his offer of coffee. Detecting the delicious aroma of home cooking, I inhale the flavours, smelling garlic, basil, oregano and something else I can’t place. I see a large Pyrex bowl sitting on a pot stand next to the hob.
“Dinner’s mostly prepared. Would you like to join us?” he asks Jenny. “You’re welcome to stay. There’s plenty to go around. I always make too much and end up having to freeze or throw out what’s not used.”
“That’s most kind of you, Mr Hamilton. I must admit I’m very tempted, but my mum is expecting me home for dinner,” she replies.
I suspect she’s lying. Jenny has a healthy appetite but, after the lunch she’s had, I doubt she’d have room for a pasta dinner. Also, I know she hadn’t been keen to come
