‘Black Magic’ by Little Mix （2015）
Michael grimaced. ‘Really?’
‘You can’t take your earphones out!’
‘But the song of the skylark!’
‘This is a classic pop song – you must know it.’
‘From school discos. It’s not in my collection.’
‘But don’t you want to know what it is that makes the boys want more?’
‘Is it some sort of secret potion?’
‘It is! It is. Like in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’
‘But if the potion is the only reason they’re in love—’
‘You’re worried it’s not real love? Because it’s not based on chat?’
‘I’d certainly be uncomfortable in a relationship—’
‘—with one of Little Mix—’
‘—with anyone, if it was based on deception.’
‘Maybe that’s the subtext …’
‘Subtext.’
‘Ssh! I love this bit, when the song fades out and the singer does all these runs and high notes,’ and here she sang a little example. ‘Are you nervous, in case you can’t follow that?’
‘I’m not embarrassed by anything in my collection.’
‘I’ll be the judge of that,’ she said. ‘Let’s spin the wheel,’ and Marnie pressed play. Strumming guitars, a melody, the sound of flutes …