Later, when everyone had left and Annie was clearing down, Paul and John came blustering in, bringing the cold with them, blowing on their hands and still laughing at a joke that’d begun before they’d arrived. They smiled as they greeted her, and Annie felt strangely self-conscious under their joint attentions, as though she were a scarlet woman sandwich. Memories of her disappointing fumblings with Paul made her cheeks hot. She reminded herself that she was a grown-up and could have sex with every eligible bachelor who passed her door if she so wished. But it didn’t diminish the awkwardness she felt. She wasn’t sure what worried her more: the possibility that Paul would tell John that they had shared a night of passion, or that he might divulge that it had been rather a damp squib. Annie realized that it was very important to her that John think she was good in the sack.

“What can I do you for?” Annie asked. “Great fireworks, by the way.”

The pair looked pleased.

“I was wondering if you had any soup left I could take away?” asked Paul.

“Sure,” said Annie. “It’s the least I can offer you after such a fabulous firework display. You can eat it here if you like? As long as you don’t mind me cleaning down around you.”

“Thanks, but I’ll take it to go, if it’s all the same. I’ve got an early start, got to talk to a man about a fish,” he said.

Annie looked at him quizzically.

“Ely’s son, Steve, wants to push the business forward. They sell locally and at markets, but Steve wants to expand the number of restaurants they supply. I said I’d have a word with a couple of people I know round Broadstairs way.”

“I might be interested!” said Annie. The words were out of her mouth before she’d fully formed the thoughts behind them. She suddenly felt both men’s eyes on her: Paul’s inquiring and John’s familiar scowl. “I’ve been thinking a bit about bistro nights and maybe hot lunchtime specials each week, depending on the catch and the season.”

She saw John shaking his head. Paul, ever the optimist, said he thought that would be a fantastic idea. Annie handed over the soup, and Paul said a cheery good-bye and left.

“Would you like some soup?” Annie asked John, who seemed to be studying the floorboards.

“No thanks. I just came in to see if you needed help clearing down.”

“That’s very kind of you. Thank you, I would. Can I get you a drink?”

“A hot chocolate would go down well.”

Annie set about making two hot chocolates.

“Why do you keep making plans for Saltwater Nook when you know I’m going to sell it?” John asked.