“How old are you?”

“Sixteen. I’ll be seventeen in March.”

Annie bit her lip. She could really do with some help on Saturdays, when Gemma was home with the kids, and over the Christmas holidays. But was it fair to take someone on for such a short time? Gemma had taken the job on the understanding that it could all be over by Easter.

“What’s your name?”

“Billy. Billy Maitlin.”

“I’m Annie. Here’s the thing, Billy, this might be a really short lease. I may only have the café until Easter.” Billy’s face fell. “But between now and Easter I am going to need someone to work Saturdays and over Christmas and the February half term.” Billy’s face brightened. “If I ask Ely about you, will he tell me you’d make a good employee?”

Billy nodded. “I’m sure of it,” he said. “I’ve been out with him loads. I always helped my grandad. Ely knows I’m a good worker.”

“In that case, be here on Saturday morning. Jeans and a smart T-shirt will be fine. I’ll give you a trial in the café, and we’ll see how it works out. How does that sound?”

“What time?” asked Billy.

“Can you get here for half past eight?”

“Yes.”

“Great! I’ll see you, Billy, at half past eight on Saturday morning. Don’t be late.”

“I won’t be.” Billy’s grin seemed to stretch the full width of his face. “Thank you! I won’t let you down!” He practically skipped over to his classmates.

“Oh, and listen, you three,” Annie called. The teens turned slowly to face Annie. “You are always welcome here outside of school hours, and your positivity pebbles are beautifully painted. But please don’t use my café as your bunk-off hideaway.” Annie smiled to let them know that her admonishment was meant in the warmest way but, equally, she didn’t fancy having the truancy officer staking out Saltwater Nook. They shrugged, cheeks coloring up, and smiled sheepishly, mumbling that they wouldn’t do it again.

“Nicely done,” said Gemma, nodding approvingly.

“I’ve had my fair share of dealing with teenagers,” said Annie.

“Good. I’ll drop Lennox and his belongings off to you when he turns thirteen.”

“Ha! No thanks. I’d rather eat worms.”

“That bad, huh?” Gemma looked at her watch. “Oh, shit!”

“Go,” said Annie.

“But we haven’t done the cleardown.” Gemma was turning on the spot in a kind of panicked daze but not actually doing anything.

“Just go,” said Annie, laughing as she took her friend by the arms to stop her from spinning. “Go on, off with you! I can clear down. I don’t want Lennox and Esme blaming me for keeping them waiting at the school gates like a couple of waifs.”