‘It was a beautiful service,’ Lola said to him, reaching to pat the back of his hand that was curled into a loose fist on the table. ‘Your mum and dad were very loved by the Hibernians. You must be proud of that.’
Dion turned to her and smiled. ‘Yes. They were loved, weren’t they?’
Isabel, on the other side of him, reached for his other arm and was cooing softly.
‘I’m lucky though,’ his voice had strengthened, ‘Nonna and Nonno look after me so well and Q... he’s the best uncle in the world.’
They avoided each other’s eyes and nodded in assent.
‘And look here!’ Dion’s hands were raised in front of him. ‘I have friends.’
‘Hear, hear!’ Max said. ‘To friends, fabulous food and wine.’
‘And love,’ Isabel added.
They raised their glasses and resumed the light banter. Audrey joined in but
