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    “I’m not sure whether I’ll stay in Banbury’s or England; that’s why I’ve been keeping out of your way. I didn’t want to start something with you, not knowing what I’m at.”
    “What do you mean, you might not stay?” I asked.
    “Well, I have a six-month contract, to see how it goes, both for me and for Banbury’s. I’m not sure about working in England, or about the store itself. It’s all so different. I came mainly to please my mother.”
    I couldn’t believe that he was capable of saying that much about himself and unprompted too. I learned that his parents had both pushed him into the move, and that he had reluctantly gotten six months leave of absence from his job in Paris. He told me a little about growing up in France, and that he was an only child shared between four parents and stepparents in all. It seemed that he got on well with both his stepparents. I was beginning to realise there was a nice side to him when he let it show. The main courses had arrived and I was tucking into my seafood medley with gusto.
    “I love fish, it makes me think of home,” I said. “I grew up in a seaside village near Sligo town and the fish was always so fresh and tasty. Even the humble mackerel tastes great when it’s just out of the sea.”
    “Mackerel tastes good?” he disputed, pulling a face. “Maybe you’ll have to bring me there to prove it.”
    “Stalking alert,” I warned. My face must have registered quite a bit of shock because he started to explain himself:
    “I’m kidding, Siobhan, I know we only know each other for a few weeks. I’m not a crazy stalker, in spite of what you think. I sent you the flowers because I had been an ass and wasn’t looking where I was going. Then when you laughed, instead of giving me the rollicking I deserved, I felt worse. I got your address from James after I told him what happened.”
    “Ok, well, thanks, and sorry for being so touchy; it’s just you always seemed to be so disapproving of me.” I gave what I hoped was an apologetic smile.
    “Disapproving? How?” He genuinely seemed surprised.
    “I dunno; you always seem to be frowning when you look at me.”
    “Maybe it was myself I was frowning at! I had to keep telling myself to back off. I’m sorry if I gave you that impression.”
    What could I say to that? I was spared the necessity of a reply as the waiter arrived with the dessert menu, which we both declined. We moved on to our next destination, again Michael giving the address to the driver on a piece of paper.
    “How many of those have you got in your pockets?” I giggled.
    “Last one. Next cab is home.”
    We pulled up outside a theatre. The billboards were showing Phantom of the Opera and I could barely contain my glee. I’d always wanted to see it, but had never been able to talk any of the girls into coming. As he gave me his hand to help me out of the taxi, I squeezed it in gratitude and excitement. He responded by kissing me chastely on the lips as I stood upright, but there was a promise in that kiss.
    The show was just as magical as I expected and to my shame I couldn’t help the tears that rolled down my cheeks. Tissues, damn, I knew I’d forgotten something, but I felt a soft cotton handkerchief being pressed into my hand.
    When the show was over, we hailed a cab. Michael gave his address, and I was wondering what he expected next, but he quickly reassured me. “I’ve only had a couple of drinks and that was hours ago. I’ll drop you home after a nightcap, if that’s ok with you?”
    Well, at least I was being asked this time; well, sort of. He had the given his address, but I had a way out. Yet again I found I liked the decision being taken out of my hands. It made life easier. My nerves were on edge as we entered his apartment. Without offering, he poured me another glass of wine.
    “Are you trying to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me?” I teased.
    “If I’m taking advantage of you, I want you