‘The barman thought you were my husband.’ ‘Did you correct him?’ ‘No. Why? There are so many couples here, one more or less …’ ‘Well, it doesn’t bother me. In fact I would be proud to be your husband.’ ‘Thank you. There wasn’t any more pistachio: I got you coffee.’ It turned out that Martine had a very direct way of speaking. Once you knew her, it was possible to interpret this brief exchange as, ‘Yes, whenever you want.’
