At first Jago seemed confused and then amused. ‘Why on earth would she think that?’
‘Because you’re so nice!’ said Helena, having filled the bowls.
‘Well, I can’t deny I’m nice but I am not gay. If I was gay, why would I keep it a secret? Here’s your tea.’
‘So you’re definitely not?’ She put down the crumble and handed Jago a spoon.
‘Definitely not.’
‘Oh, OK.’ Helena felt stupid now.
Jago picked up his spoon and then put it down. ‘Will your mother stop making me crumbles if I’m not gay?’
Helena began to see the funny side. ‘I don’t think so. She said you would have fathered gorgeous babies so she’ll take the news well.’ In fact, Gilly had referred to him fathering her grandchildren but Jago didn’t need to know that.
‘That’s a relief. I’d have been very sad if my hormones cut me off from your mum’s amazing cooking.’
‘Talking of hormones,’ said Helena, keen to change the subject – she was feeling such a fool – ‘let me tell me you why I didn’t stay the night. Mum had a man there!’
‘Not the creepy bloke, Leo?’
‘No! It was her accountant. They’ve known each other forever but I didn’t know there was anything going on between them.’
‘And it wasn’t just a friendly business dinner?’
‘I did wonder that for about five seconds but even if they were friendly, she wouldn’t give him dinner unless there was something else. And actually, the look he gave her, he’s very smitten.’
‘Cool! She’s an attractive woman, your mother. It’s nice she’s got a bloke who’s into her.’
‘Jago! This is my mother we’re talking about!’
‘Everyone is entitled to a private life, even gay builders.’
‘But you said you weren’t gay!’
‘Would you like me to convince you just how ungay I am?’
Helena realised that yes, she would. She stood up. He stood up. ‘How would you go about that, then?’
He came round to where she was standing and put his fingers round her face. He tilted her face upwards. ‘Like this,’ he said firmly. And kissed her.
After a while he said, ‘If you’re not convinced by now there are other things I could do to show you.
Helena pretended to think about this. ‘Actually, I don’t think I am quite convinced.’
‘I would really hate for you to be in any doubt. Whose room? Yours or mine?’
‘Yours,’ said Helena. ‘Bigger bed.’
Later, Jago came down to fetch the crumble. They ate it in bed before Jago did a bit more convincing.
William and Gilly sat on the sofa in front of a fire that was more for effect than heat. It was very pleasant but Gilly was starting to get a bit impatient. She yawned.
William, who had his arm round her shoulder, took it off. ‘I should be going. It’s late.’
‘Must you?’ Gilly was disappointed. ‘For once I haven’t got any guests …’
‘Well, not if you don’t want me to,’ said William at once. ‘I didn’t want to presume you’d want me to stay.’
