The Cheshire Cat in the rear-view mirror

We'd just about exhausted pleasantries when Maxie turned to me. "I know it's a terrible imposition, but is there any chance of putting Marcia up on your couch, just for tonight? If it's not convenient ..."

I'd barely nodded when Marcia cut in. "Max knows how much of Ma's stuff's in my bag, She's just being coy -- ooh!"

Perhaps fortunately, we were waiting to turn into Helen Suzman and the traffic was at it's usual standstill. Marcia's ribs, and maybe Nancy's elbow, would probably be sore tomorrow. The Cheshire Cat materialised in the rearview mirror. Maxie's blushing coloured the roots of her hair. I prayed for the lights to change. It fell to Nancy to break the tension.

"You're both grownups, Maxine. If that's what you and Henry want, it's got nothing to do with anyone else."

I looked at Maxie. She looked at me. I wanted very much to have her spend the evening with me. I smiled. She subsided. "That really wasn't what I was suggesting."