How Julia relaxes

"So, how do you usually unwind of an evening, when you're not having dinner with scintillating colleagues, that is?"

"I like to swim, or visit the gym," she replies, smiling when she sees the expression on your face; for you, exercise is the opposite of relaxation. "It is restful, Jack. It lets me switch off and stop thinking about the stresses of the day, but if you want something less energetic, then I read, as you might expect. Historical novels and some of the more intricately plotted detective stories, mainly. I also watch an hour or two of mindless tee vee with my sister, but that's mainly for the company. What about you?"

You find young women to spank and debase, but perhaps that's not the wisest hobby to mention on a date. Before discovering the Rulebook, your nights looked quite similar to Julia's (without the exertion), although your tastes in fiction and viewing habits turn out to be slightly different. Julia tells you she usually lets her sister choose the television programmes they watch and most of them you either haven't seen or think are ghastly. However, she does insist on one series joining the schedule: a police procedural that manages the ever so rare feat of portraying law enforcement believably, with officers actually following the rules of evidence and treating each other and members of the public with respect and professionalism. As it happens, you've also been watching it and not just because one of the probationers is played by a very pretty young actress, so you find something in common to talk about after all.

It's only when the sumptuous pudding arrives that you remember it's actually on tonight, right now, in fact. You normally record it to watch later, so you can skip through the advertisements, but whilst you're glad Julia's here, it's a shame she's missing her favourite programme.

"Oh, no, we record it, too," she says when you mention it. "Or at least I do; I don't think Helen would mind if she never saw another episode. Life's too short for commercial breaks."

For the next few minutes, neither of you speaks at all, thanks to the indulgent pudding delighting your taste buds. Julia finishes first, because her portion is smaller. She lays down her spoon with a purr of satisfaction and turns to praise the waitress who served it.

"That was quite excellent, Jie. Tell me, how did you make the ice cream? It was so fluffy and light. Mine never comes out like that."

"Oh, thank-you, Dr. Morgan. I sealed saltwater ice cubes in bags and used them to agitate the custard until it thickened and solidified. As long as you keep it moving, you don't get ice crystals, but it's a real work out. Just don't let the saltwater get in the mix!"

You hadn't realized the ice cream was home made, let alone made by hand. Jie really has gone above and beyond.