Matthew had to fly to New York on Sunday. But—apart from the time I spent on the phone, first to my folks, who were thrilled for me, and then to Beny, who’d got a first, of course—he was all mine for Saturday.
Remembering how much he’d enjoyed our family game night, and facing up to the fact that I was never, ever, ever going to be remotely interested in learning how not to suck at chess (even from Matthew).
I took him down to a board game shop in Seven Dials. He wanted to call a car but I insisted we walk, since it was only half an hour, through the apartment, and that turned out to be exactly the right call.
Because the day was shiny with sunlight and Matthew let me hold his hand and, for a little while, we were lost together in the London crowds. Just another couple.
I thought I w
