The cat has grown in confidence, and Alexi frowns at him and then at me and my overly concerned face.

‘It’s eating, nowhere near my wheels, so relax … And it’s something we both need to do so it’s easier to get food on the way back than having something here later. Do you good to get out more.’ Alexi’s tone drops, a little bossier, commanding, and I relax with the appearance of it. Used to this persona.

‘It’s not a date?’ I ask haughtily, and Alexi throws me a ...