Page 60 of Don't Point at the Moon

“You’re coming to the final performance.”

“I really hope—”

“No, Mitchell. That is not a question. Everybody needs a day off, even you. And I have a ticket for you. You’re coming to see what all the fuss has been about and you’re coming with me to Tommy’s after-show birthday party.”

Mitchell had laughed then.

“You know you sound just like your mother sometimes?”

“Say it, Mitchell. Say you’re coming.”

“Yes, Zane. I’m coming.”

“Good.” Zane had jumped up and headed towards the kitchen. “Talking of which, don’t forget we’ve agreed to FaceTime Mum and Dad on Saturday evening. I’m grabbing a beer from the fridge. Join me?”

“There’s a bottle of white wine open in there. Pour me a glass.”

While Zane had disappeared into the kitchen, Mitchell had realised how much he would miss having his nephew around.But he also knew they had forged a new and enduring relationship. They’d sat up that night until one, with Zane telling him about the things he had seen and done with his Hong Kong friends, opening up about his determination to put the work in at university, to make his parents proud, and his gratitude to Mitchell at having invited him to Hong Kong.

Mitchell yawned then looked at the clock. Almost ten. He’d planned to have a day to himself. Enjoying his newfound independence, Zane would most likely be meeting up with his new friends. Maybe Mitchell would take his motorbike out for a spin. As he lay there, considering finally getting up, he heard movement coming for the main room, followed by a soft tap on his bedroom door.

“Are you awake?” came Zane’s voice.

“Awake and decent. Come on in.”

Zane entered, carrying a mug of tea for Mitchell. He was already showered, dressed and ready for the day, togged out in pressed khaki shorts and a long-sleeve shirt in red cotton.

“Mitchell, I need a favour. I’ve been invited to lunch with Emily and her folks. I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet, but she’s studying law in the UK. She’s been offered a place at Bradford Uni. That’s thirty minutes’ drive from the campus in Leeds.”

“I see. Does your mother know?”

Mitchell fought back a smile, knowing Tommy would have picked up on the ABBA song reference. But then Mitchell remembered his new resolve.

“My mother doesn’t need to know everything.”

“And this favour is what? Me not telling her?”

“No, of course not,” said Zane, grinning. “Straight after lunch, we have the chance to get into the theatre where the play’s being performed. We had a group message this morning. They’ve given us two hours for the lighting and backstage crew to go andsee how everything works and get a feel for the space. The thing is, Emily really needs the lighting and set change plan, which is hanging on a clipboard back at school. I’d normally have asked Tommy, but he’s not around today, doing something for his sister’s wedding. I know it’s a bit of an ask, but would you mind going to the school at midday—Shelly’s there rehearsing with the rest of the cast—and bringing us a copy?”

“What, I’m your personal messenger now?”

“Please, Mitchell. We could go, but we’d miss the chance to have lunch with Emily’s family.”

“And the school will be open?”

“Head through the main entrance and straight down to the end. Except for us, the place is empty on Sundays. Follow the sound of voices. There are two small studios next to each other that are normally used for dance classes. There are glass panels in the doors, so you’ll see which one they’re using.”

“Okay. I wanted to take my bike for spin anyway. Where do I bring this paperwork?”

“Do you know the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts in Wanchai?”

“I do.” The location was perfect. He could drop off the documents before riding his bike through the cross-harbour tunnel and eventually into the New Territories.

“We’re in one of the smaller theatres. Text me once you reach the main lobby. I’ll send Shelly a message and let her know you’re coming to the school.”

“Okay. Out of interest, where are the parents taking you for lunch?”

Zane smirked and folded his arms.

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