Of course Max would have anchovies on his pizza. Miranda rolled her eyes at the offending specimens and drank her wine in near silence, occasionally commenting on a colleague or a project. She didn't miss the colleagues.

'And how is the wonderful world of events management?' Asked Miranda sarcastically.

Max entertained her with a story about Maria, his errant teammate who was caught photocopying her bum at an event the week before.

'Said she was taking advantage of the resources available so she could send the pics to her latest date.'

'Hasn't she heard of WhatsApp?'

'She's too clever for that. The photocopy can't be proved to be anyone in particular. If it's on paper, it doesn't leave a digital trail if said date feels like posting it up online.'

Miranda was taken aback at the shrewd reasoning behind it.

'Maria's very clever, if a bit too unsubtle with our female guests.' That was Max's tactful way of describing Maria's feral lesbian tendencies.

Miranda nodded her understanding. She'd met Maria before. The woman came on strong. An open offer for a drink was always on the table. Miranda thought Maria moved too fast so kept declining. She enquired about the latest events, more out of politeness. Max launched into an enthusiastic account of the schedule and last night's event while Miranda tried to keep up. It sounded too hectic. She was starting to regret asking. She switched her mind back to her thoughts from the night before.

'I sense that you are not that interested in the life of an events manager. What interests you right now, this minute? And we will talk about it.'

Now it was her turn to bore him. She sighed.

'Sometimes' she said, 'I think about travelling around the country. Pack some bread and cheese and go somewhere. Anywhere.'

'By yourself?'

She nodded. She was sure that he wouldn't understand. Max was a social creature, more likely to be found clubbing in places that played frenzied electronic heartbeat sounds and snogging women in backless garments. So far out of her comfort zone.

'Earth to Miranda? You can't go on a picnic with just bread and cheese. What else will you bring?'

She blinked and tried to get back to the conversation. Did there need to be anything else for a picnic?

'What else would you need?'

He looked scandalised.

'A chocolate bar. And a packet of crisps.'

She could read Max's expression. Brits were obsessed with crisps.

'You're drifting off again' he reminded her as she stared into the dregs of wine glowing garnet under the low lights.

'I was just…thinking of someone.'

'Who?'

Miranda felt like an idiot but said it anyway. 'Ura. This dog that I take care of.'

She explained that she'd been thinking of renting a bike, maybe with an Ura sized basket at the front and she'd ride off into the countryside. They'd have an adventure.

And Max Winter, to his credit, did not laugh or smirk or look at her like she was crazy. He simply threw some cash on the table and said, 'so let's go and get her.'

Miranda blinked in confusion.

'Seriously Max?'

'No time like the present.'