Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Gail Honeyman

– it’s such a beautiful evening, and it’s still light.’

      ‘Right then, I’ll see you on Monday,’ he said. ‘Enjoy the rest of your weekend.’ He turned to leave.

      ‘Raymond, wait!’ I said. He turned back towards me, smiling.

      ‘What is it, Eleanor?’

      ‘The Guinness, Raymond. It was three pounds fifty.’ He stared at me. ‘It’s OK,’ I said, ‘there’s no rush. You can give it to me on Monday, if that’s easier.’

      He counted out four pound coins and put them on the table. ‘Keep the change,’ he said, and walked off. Extravagant! I put the money in my purse, and finished my Magners. Emboldened by the apples, I decided to take a detour on the way home. Yes. Why not? It was time for a spot of reconnaissance.