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‘So…’ Mia started, needing to explain.

‘I would have…’ They interrupted each other, and Aiden held his hands up, indicating she should go first.

‘I was going to tell you. Katie just beat me to it.’

‘I believe you.’ Aiden shrugged like it didn’t matter, and it occurred to Mia that maybe it didn’t to him. ‘I think she’s excited for you.’

‘Yeah. I think I’m her latest project.’ Mia laughed.

‘Given that it’s Katie, I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a scary one.’

‘Probably a bit of both.’ Mia was glad when Aiden chuckled with her. At least that was a bit more normal. ‘So, you’ve been baking?’

‘Yeah.’ He opened the box and offered it to her.

‘These look pretty.’

‘Hey, Mimi, what time did you want me to call tomorrow?’ Katie reappeared and put down a tray of drinks.

‘We’re meeting at seven, so maybe just after eight?’ She watched as her friend pulled out her phone. ‘Two alarms?’

‘In case I don’t hear the first one in the cinema. It’s OK… just a film with Phe. I can step out for a few minutes to call you.’

‘I can’t ask you to do that,’ Mia argued.

‘You didn’t, I offered.’

‘I’ll be fine.’

‘I can be your escape call, if you like.’

They both turned to gawp at Aiden.

‘What? I know you girls do it. I’ve had the “oops my Mum’s gerbil just escaped and I have to go home and help her find it because she loves that little rodent like it’s a second child” excuse used on me before.’

‘I find that hard to believe.’ Mia laughed.

‘The beloved missing gerbil or the fact that I’ve had dates ended by the call? I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, Mia, and I’m OK with that.’ He shot her a wink. ‘I find plenty of ladies thirsty enough to keep me happy.’

‘Ugh.’ Katie rolled her eyes.

‘Hey, I’m trying to be helpful!’ Aiden pulled a face at her.

‘You really don’t mind?’

‘Of course not. I’m a brilliant actor.’ He struck a dramatic pose and put on a silly falsetto. ‘Dahling, it’s Mama. I’m so sorry to disturb your tête-à-tête but there’s been the most terrible accident. Grandmama has misplaced her glasses again and, well, long story short, she nearly climbed in the bathtub with the alligator and we need your help to find her missing toes. You will come home and help us, won’t you, Maria dahling?’

‘Why is there an alligator, and who’s Maria?’

‘Obviously it’s Grandpapa’s.’ He grinned broadly. ‘I assumed you were Maria.’

‘That’s not what Mia’s short for.’

‘Miriam?’

‘Nope, and I’m not telling you.’

‘She really won’t,’ Katie chimed in. ‘I only know because I countersigned her passport a few years ago. I knew her for years before finding out her real name, and I’m sworn to secrecy. Anyway, I’d better get going. See you both later. Message me what you’re wearing later, Mimi. I’m nosey.’ She snagged a couple of biscuits before heading out.