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‘I said it was a tastier way to eat legumes and potato.’ Amrita laughed. ‘And much better than baked beans on toast!’

‘And I said prove it or stop knocking my cultural cuisine.’ Sylvie laughed back.

‘I’ll pick English-style cakes for tea any day – especially if your son made them. But if you’re talking quick, tasty street food? Punjabi every time.’

‘Like I said – put your cooking where your mouth is!’

‘Oh, I’ll bring it. Along with some new exercises. If I’m cooking, you’re going to work for it!’

‘Sounds fair to me. Have a good week.’

‘You too.’ Amrita was still smiling as she unlocked her car. When she threw her bag in, a metallic rattle made her look again. ‘Oh! How on earth…?’ She stared at the familiar box, trying to work out how it could possibly have ended up in her car. Maybe she’d somehow got it caught up with her notebook and bag and managed to drive around with it in her car for over a week. She felt awful – it was clear it was something that mattered to Jamie. She’d just have to call him.

She stared at the tin as she waited for the call to connect. If she hadn’t known it was impossible, she would have almost thought Superman looked extra smug and happy.

‘Hey, Jamie. Sorry to bother you…’

‘You’re not bothering me. It’s good to hear from you.’ His warmth and sincerity made her smile. ‘How are you?’

‘I’m good, thanks, how about you? Good day?’

‘Would it be too cheesy to say that I think it’s looking up now?’

Amrita laughed. ‘I think you can pull off cheesy pretty well. But, Jamie… I owe you another apology.’

‘Are you sure? I don’t remember anyone accusing me of being a know-it-all in the last week or so.’

‘I’m really regretting that.’ She winced, but couldn’t help the smile.

‘And you were still right. At least a bit. So, what grievous crime have you committed this time?’

‘Theft. Possibly even grand larceny because I’m pretty sure the thing that I accidentally stole is an antique.’

‘What are you talking about?’

‘Your Superman pencil tin. I’ve been driving around with it in my car, and I’ve only just found it. I’m so sorry.’

‘Oh, I was wondering where that had gone. I’m glad it’s safe with you.’

‘I really am sorry.’

‘Honestly, it’s fine. Could you give it to Aiden? I can grab it from him or Mia.’

‘Of course. Although… funnily enough I’ve got a new patient not far from Hudsbury on Thursday. I could drop it off if you’re around? Or just leave it at reception.’

‘Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to put you out.’

She was surprised when disappointment panged through her. Despite their squabbles, she’d actually quite enjoyed his company – in an odd way – and she’d definitely wanted to see how the designs were going. ‘It’s really not a problem. I feel bad for scooping it up with my things.’ However that had happened.

‘Then I’d appreciate it. Thank you. But if you didn’t have to rush off, I’d love to see you again… just to show you my updated designs, of course. And I’ve been doing some research about the integrating-safety-features issue. I’d love to see what you think. Your expert views…’ His words tumbled out in a hurry.

‘Of course. I look forward to it. Seeing the new designs, I mean.’

* * *

Jamie stared at the clock again, wishing he could make time flow faster. It had been one of his less productive days – every time he’d tried to focus, to bring his magic to play in the lines of his diagrams, it went awry and he found himself thinking about Amrita. But despite feeling like hours had passed, the obnoxious clock refused to admit more than a few minutes had pootled by.

He put down his pencil – not his favourite mechanical one, because that was rattling around on an adventure with its friends in the escapee Superman tin – and rearranged his drawings in their folder for the third time before going back to his computer. He tried to answer a few emails but kept finding himself distracted. He opened the laptop’s camera and checked his hair and collar were straight – then closed it, feeling ridiculous. He drummed his fingers on the desk for a couple of seconds then opened his desk drawer.