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She put a finger to her mouth and he paused. She could no longer hear Lawrenz above them and so immediately changed topics as she handed Robertu the coffee, lifting her chin towards the apartment above. ‘The coach believes he’s got what it takes to play football at a high level, if he wants to take it seriously.’

Robertu caught on. ‘Do you think he will?’

‘I don’t know – he’s still so young. I know it will please Lawrenz if Danjel⁠—’

‘What would please me?’ Lawrenz asked, arriving in the bar.

Valentina found a flat smile. ‘I was just saying if Danjel took his football seriously, he might have a chance at playing at the highest level.’

‘Well, he needs to achieve something. So far he just costs me money.’

She hid her desire to fling the hot coffee pot at him and laughed instead, marvelling at what a good liar she’d become. ‘He’s a boy. His head’s full of everything from the planets to his next football match.’

‘He’s brilliant and you know it,’ Robertu said. ‘You’re just being modest, Lawrenz. You were always good at football. I’m not surprised your son is.’

Those were exactly the right words, and she silently thanked her brother-in-law.

Lawrenz shrugged but she could tell his mood had lifted slightly. It was always like this. He could be dark for days on end and then without warning, it would shift. Perhaps the shift had come today because of Robertu’s visit, but more likely it was because he was leaving Malta for yet another trip to France. She couldn’t wait to see him off the island. ‘I suppose I was,’ Lawrenz answered finally. ‘Maybe he does get it from me. Maybe I am the reason he will play for Floriana.’

As if you would be the reason, she thought. If only he’d listen to Danjel, or even just talk to him as a father should.

‘Wouldn’t that be marvellous?’ she said instead. ‘Coffee all right, Robertu?’

‘You make the best in the city, Leni.’

‘Have you opened up?’ Lawrenz asked, without even looking at her.

‘Yes. Bit early though, even for the eager drinkers.’

‘Here, take this up and pay our rent before they all arrive.’ He handed her an envelope.

She nodded dutifully.

‘Come on, we can walk together,’ Robertu said. ‘It’s on my way home.’

‘No, stay, brother,’ Lawrenz urged. ‘Drink with me. I have time.’

Valentina was surprised at how dim her husband could be in spite of his cunning ways; surely he could see his brother only wanted to be with her?

‘I can’t, Lawrenz,’ he said, draining his cup. ‘I have a date this evening with lovely Anna and I have a bar to open up too. I want to make sure Carlo is in on time and ready.’

‘He’s your new manager, is he?’

‘Yes, he’s working out well.’

‘Oh, to have the money to hire staff,’ Lawrenz bleated.

Robertu pretended he hadn’t heard. ‘See you when you get back,’ he said, and turned to leave. Valentina followed him.

Once outside and walking, Robertu returned to their previous conversation. ‘That’s enough. I’m finished with all this tiptoeing around and pretence.’

‘What does that mean?’ she asked, glad to be away from the bar, from their unhappy home, from the man who made her life so miserable.

‘It means we’re getting you and Danjel away from here.’

‘You mean run away?’

‘If you want to see it that way, then yes.’