‘Well, what would you call us … if not friends?’ His gaze narrows on me, his smile fading and something more serious in its place. Still not moving, like a tall, stubborn mannequin, I relent with an exasperated sigh, knowing he has no intention of going again until he decides he’s moving. Talking is on his agenda for some stupid reason.

‘I don’t know … business acquaintances. People coexisting for a mutual benefit, but certainly not friends! Friends like one another, ...