‘What is wrong with everyone at the moment?’ I titter. ‘I don’t have a one track mind, you know?’
‘No,’ he nods. ‘Maybe two tracks.’
I reach back into my rucksack and pull out the fish and chips we grabbed on our way up to the top of Meersbrook Park. I hand one paper bag to Zach and unwrap the second, the tang of salt and vinegar filling my nostrils. By the time the sun sets there’s a definite chill in the air, a warm cloudless day having given way to a crisp night. We’re lying like sardines in a tin, tucked up next to each other on our backs as we watch the stars come out.
‘The good news is that I’m an expert astrologer,’ Zach announces.
‘Really?’
‘Yup. Can you see the very bright star up to the left, above those trees?’
‘The red-ish one?’
‘That’s … Mars.’
‘What’s with the suspicious pause?’ I ask, snuggling in next to him.
‘Nothing.’
‘Also Mars is not a star,’ I point out.
‘All right! Imightbe trying to consult the star-gazing app I just downloaded.’
‘You’re cheating!’
‘No, just, er, enriching?’
‘My mum always used to tell me a story about how the moon was made of cheese and I spent most of my childhood wanting to eat it.’
‘Sounds very much like you,’ he laughs.
‘The moon’s bloody massive tonight though, isn’t it? Apparently there are only a few of these a year. They happen when a full moon is at its closest point to earth.’
‘It’s stunning,’ Zach says, lifting his arms behind his head. I curl in next to him, resting my head in the pit of his arm. ‘This explains why you’re wearing a jumper with stars all over it,’ he grins, turning to look at me.
‘You know I love a theme,’ I reply.
‘This is nice, Alice. Really nice.’
‘This is my favourite park in Sheffield. You get such great views out over the city. It’s amazing on bonfire night and when it snows in the winter, people bring their skis and ski down there,’ I say, pointing at the steepest hill.
‘You know, I haven’t been to a bonfire night in years.’
‘What? Why not?’ I pull my gaze away from the city below and turn to him.
‘Tiny’s not big into fireworks so I usually spend the night dog-sitting while Raff and Ellie take Sienna and Francesca to a big display. I’m sure he’d be all right by himself for the evening but I like to keep an eye on him and I know Raff appreciates it.’
‘That’s really thoughtful of you. But the twins are five, so are you telling me you haven’t seen a firework in all that time?’ I’m incredulous. I love a firework.
‘They only started going out when my nieces were two or three so it’s not beenthatlong,’ he’s laughing at my reaction.
‘Well this year will be different.’
‘It will?’
‘Yes. I absolutely insist that we spend bonfire night together.’ I hold up a finger to let him know there’s more to come. ‘I know what you’re about to say. We can still go and dog sit Tiny. But I am telling you right now that I will be bringing sparklers and a tiny Catherine wheel and there will also be mulled wine, okay?’
Zach’s looking at me intently.
