‘Don’t tell me,’ I interrupt. ‘I want to guess. A basket full of Persian kittens.’
‘Allergic to cats.’
‘Some incredibly expensive champagne. Cristal, or Dom Pérignon. Or maybe you get them to fly in that beer you like – the troublesome one.’
‘Trouble’s Brewing?’ He smiles. ‘It’s not generally a good idea to drink alcohol before a concert. Numbs the senses when you need to be fully alert. My rider is actually pretty boring.’
‘Chocolate? Sweets? A dozen white roses?’
‘San Pellegrino bottled water, a lemon and some ice.’
‘Is that it?’
‘I said it was dull.’
‘You seriously need to up your diva levels, Gabriel. I could help with that, for a fee.’
‘What would you put on the rider then?’
‘Champagne for starters. You might not be able to have any, but I could drink it for you. And strawberries. If I’m going to sit through a couple of hours of classical music, I need those things.’
‘I thought you said you didn’t mind classical music.’
‘I don’t,’ I agree, ‘but everything’s better with champagne and strawberries.’
‘Let me guess. You’ve seenPretty Woman.’
‘It’s an oldie but goodie. Rosie and I still watch it regularly.’
He smiles. ‘Would it surprise you to know that Mum wouldn’t let us watch it? The whole prostitution element upset her.’
‘How do you know about it then?’
‘Another advantage of being in London when she was here.’ He laughs again. ‘She’d be horrified if she knew half the things I got up to. Anyway, the champagne and strawberries would have to be your rider, not mine.’
‘Fair enough.’
‘Have you seen enough here? Ready to move on?’
‘Where are we going next?’
‘You mentioned church. Are you sure you aren’t bored? We could revert to the tourist attractions if you like.’
‘This is much more interesting. Can I ask another question?’
‘Of course.’ He starts the engine and pulls out.
‘Is there a Mrs Gabriel stuck somewhere at home with a batch of delightful children while you’re trotting the globe as Mr Concert Pianist?’
A look crosses his face, but it’s gone before I can work out what it is.
‘No,’ he says eventually. ‘No Mrs Gabriel.’
‘Would you like there to be?’
‘Of course. But my lifestyle makes it difficult.’
I study him for a moment as the penny drops. ‘There was someone, wasn’t there,’ I say softly.
