And again feeling or instinct flickered unacknowledged between them. Yukio and Mitsuko left swiftly, their twin shapes bounding, released and joyful, down the long zigzag stairway. They were heading to a nightclub in Neukölln, they said, to hear a famous Japanese DJ play remixes of David Bowie. Super-cool! It would be super-cool! repeated Yukio. Victor was tired: no remixing DJs for him. No Ground Control to Major Tom. He offered bear hugs as he left. Whacked, he said. Gino shuffled and lingered. ‘I suggest that we three have dinner together.’ Marco hesitated, perhaps feeling a little caught out, or wishing he had bounded away with the Japanese lovers. His face concealed whatever he might truly be thinking. ‘Of course,’ he said softly. It was only then he looked directly at Cass. ‘I promise I won’t disgrace myself again.’ Gino discreetly declined to follow up. ‘So, it’s settled. I took the liberty of booking nearby.’ Outside, he linked arms with Cass, determined to support her across the uneven flagstones.
