“Max! I didn’t know you were coming round.”He gave me one of his most devastating smiles. “I was in Richmond so Josh and I decided to make an evening of it. We’ve come back to dump the car and grab a sandwich, then we’ll be heading out.” He paused for a second. “Fancy joining us?” he added, a bit too casually.“Umm, thanks, but I can’t go out tonight. I’ve got to wait and look after the dog until our neighbour comes back.” I gestured out into the garden, where Beesley was still sound asleep.“He doesn’t look like he’s too much trouble,” laughed Max.“You have no idea. Earlier today he escaped by chewing through a solid wooden gate.”“Impressive.” Max smiled and turned away from the window back towards me. I was suddenly conscious that Josh was nowhere to be seen. “It’s good to see you, Alex. Really good.”I didn’t know what to say so I just smiled and quickly looked away. Where had Josh got to? “Do you want a coffee to go with your sandwich?”
