Geoffrey was standing there with a sheepish look when we turned in the direction of the noise.

He cut in, saying, "I thought I'd interrupt before this went X-rated. Your absence there is standing out more and more. Is everything okay?"

Nicholas and I pulled out of our embrace and he took my hand before asking, "Shall we have dinner, then?"

Geoffrey promptly left and I nodded, asking Nicholas to follow after. I was really happy to see only friendly people at our table.

I sat down between Nicholas and Lory, grinning as I did so. Apart from Francis, his date was also seated at our table.

Under the table,...