Rosa and Beppe exchanged looks that Audrey couldn’t interpret. ‘That’s so lovely of you,’ she said quickly, ‘thank you, but it’ll be okay, Dion.’
He seemed to be reassured and returned to the table with the book.
‘When Isabel comes back, I’m going to be cooking her Arroz n***o—Squid and Rice. What do you think?’
Arroz n***o‘She’d love it,’ Audrey said, wishing too that her mother was there. Dion’s attachment to her was sweet and, she realised that, as yet, he hadn’t created a nickname for Isabel and Max.
Later, reluctantly, they said goodbye. The afternoon spent in the family’s company had soothed her. Lulled by the food and their kindness, Audrey now felt a return of Dion’s optimism. As she and Poppy headed in the direction of the house, she experienced a surge of excitement. Surely i
