‘Hello, Trevor?’
‘Malcolm?’
‘Can you hear me?’
‘Loud and clear.’
‘So the reception is good on the other side, is it? The flames don’t cause any interference?’
‘Very funny.’
‘So let me be clear about this, you’re not dead?’
‘I’m not dead. This is true.’
‘Good to hear. I’m on speakerphone. Amy’s here.’
‘Hello, Trevor.’
‘Hello, Amy. Zoe’s here. Shall I put her on, too? How do you put this thing on speakerphone, Zo?’
‘Trevor?’
‘Hello? It’s Zoe, Grandpa’s phone is ancient. I think I have it on speaker. Can you hear us?’
‘Yes we can. Hello, Zoe, nice to meet you.’
‘You too, Amy. You’re going to be my date on Tuesday night, I hear.’
‘Yes, we’ll be the belles of the ball.’
‘Malcolm, have you written your speech?’
‘I have it, Trevor. Sealed in an envelope with strict instructions not to read it until the night.’
‘And I’ve told her to bring it straight back to me unopened, if I don’t win.’
‘If you get a chance, Amy, steam it open and send me a copy.’
‘I wouldn’t dare. But I am frightened about what it contains. I’ll have to read it out if he wins.’
‘Malcolm won’t win. I’ve been sniffing around and there isn’t a hint of an upset. They’re certain to give it to an American this year. As a sign of good faith. There are two in the running. If not them, then I hope Deborah Levy wins. I loved Swimming Home, and Hot Milk is impressive.’
‘Don’t listen to Grandpa, Malcolm. You’re going to win. I can feel it.’
‘I think I’m going to win, too.’
‘You’d think this would make him happy, Zoe, but he’s been very grumpy these last few days. Grumpier than usual, that is.’
‘Amy, Grandpa has set us up with Hayley Granger, Malcolm’s publisher. We’re to meet her in the Old Library where the drinks are held. Have you met her?’
‘No.’
‘Well, she’s nice and all but old, like Malcolm and Grandad. And a chatterbox. And more than a bit eccentric. Is there any chance we can meet up beforehand and go in together? We could even meet for pre-drinks. A bit of Dutch courage?’
‘Sounds like a plan. We’ve called from my phone, so you have my number. Text me.’
‘Malcolm, Zoe’s let everyone know you won’t be attending. Because of Daniel.’
‘Everyone?’
‘I put out a press release. You’re the people’s choice, Malcolm. Social media has already crowned you. Win or lose, you win.’
‘What are you going to wear, Zoe?’
‘I don’t know. What are you wearing?’
‘Message me and I’ll send you a pic.’
‘Trevor, if you’re not dead by Tuesday shall I come and watch the announcement with you?’
‘Yes, if I’m not dead, I’d be honoured.’
‘He’s doing really well, Malcolm. The doctors now think he’ll be around for a while. At least until Wednesday.’
‘You joke, but it’s my existence at stake.’
‘Dying’s the easy bit. Living without you, now that’s hard.’
‘Malcolm’s right, Grandad. We only joke because . . . Wow, Amy! That dress is gorgeous! That’s so unfair. How can I compete with that?’
‘You don’t think it’s too much?’
‘It’d be too much for me. But Grandad says you’re one of the most beautiful women he’s ever seen, and he once took Sophia Loren to dinner, so I reckon you’ll pull it off.’
‘I didn’t say that!’
‘Yes, you did.’
‘So, are we finished? Amy’s going in my place. She has my speech. She’ll meet you, Zoe, beforehand and you’ll go in together. Trevor, you and I will watch together in your room. Right? Good. We’re settled. Let’s hope I don’t win. Goodbye, Trevor. Goodbye, Zoe.’