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Ditsy nodded “Getting harder to pull it off every year, it seems”

“Well, they’re really in for it this year, then” Ditsy raised an eyebrow, and Mia explained, “With Mayor Fielding stepping down and all It won’t be her problem by the autumn, so why should she care?”

“You’re far too cynical, my dear” Ditsy reached over and patted her hand “Now, tiet to work”

They settled into their usual routine–Ditsy made the first cups of tea while Mia checked the till, set up the float frohtened up the stock When they were ready, she flipped the Closed sign over to Open, and they both sat down to wait for an influx of customers at nine o’clock

Three hours, four customers–two tins of baked beans, a packet of chocolate hobnobs, and 500 graht cups of tea later, Ditsy asked, “Nohat are you going to do with your free afternoon?”

“I can stay, if you like,” Mia offered Ditsy did look tired after her ’s exertions

“Not at all Not a word of it,” Ditsy said “It’s your afternoon off And it ht be your last chance before the suot planned?”

The surew less rushlike by the year Last su e bar of chocolate and an Agatha Christie”

Ditsy looked scandalized “An attractive young thing like yourself, with no plans for an afternoon off? Nobody whisking you off for a rone cocktails at the Grand? What will become of you?”

“I’ht, if that’s any better,” Mia tried

“Charlie doesn’t count” Ditsy’s expression turned suspicious “Unless there’s soman to break his vow of celibacy?”

The excite “He’s a chef, not a priest, Ditsy And it’s not a vow, as such It’s understandable he’s reluctant to get into another relationship after Becky” She gave Ditsy a ful look, and the older woman looked suitably sheepish as she reht Charlie to town to start a new life then left hie and a broken heart Not to mention the ways she’d ers

“Besides, Charlie and I are just friends” Mia quashed down the small part of her that sometimes–very occasionally, mind–wondered ould happen if that wasn’t the case

“Which is er in triu to find someone who isn’t just a friend?”

“In Aberarian? Probably never” Mia sighed She loved her hoht hard to stay there despite the decline in business, the gossips and the jellyfish But it wasn’t exactly bursting at the sea She didn’t want Charlie–or anyone else for that h lack of alternative options She orth a little more than that, thank you

Ditsy looked sympathetic “Well, who knows? Maybe the summer croill have some lookers this year”

“All married with small children on a fa for” She wasn’t even really searching Life was pretty good just hoas She had her flat above the shop, her friendsand a letter fro Mia’s mood took a doard slump

Rolling her eyes, Ditsy shuffled into the back rooain “Well with that kind of attitude there’s no hope for you Just letand I’ll let you run free to do your laundry or whatever”

Mia let herself smile, since

Ditsy couldn’t see her “Own up, Ditsy, you just want to live vicariously through me”

“Of course!” Ditsy stuck her head through the doorway “I thought that ot to get my kicks somewhere, you know”

“Ditsy, I really don’t want to know about your” Mia trailed off as she realized Ditsy was paying her no attention whatsoever The grin on the older woman’s face had spread even wider, and she pointed a sharp, bony finger toward the

“Now,” Ditsy said, her eyes bright “What about him, then?”

It would have been less eht, if the–adlass hadn’t chosen that exact moment to look up and smile at them Unfortunately, Mia’s world didn’t see

She groaned, sinking down onto her stool, bowing to the inevitable The guy pushed open the door, ringing the antiquated shop bell above it Mia tried for a polite custo under control anyway

“Good afternoon,” Ditsy said, her own sht “And how can I help you this fine day, Mr”

“Anthony Fisher Call htening grin Mia was aluidebook to the town, if you have such a thing”

“We et up to collect the Aberarian guide froout an arm to keep her in her seat “But actually, you’re in luck For one day only, I can offer you so much better” Mia tried to break free, but the old wo

“Really?” Tony leaned his forearm on the counter and raised an eyebrow at Ditsy “Lunch with you?”