Annie waited for John to come back to the café, in the hopes that Gemma was right, and he’d just forgotten something and would come bowling back in any minute. But her realist side knew John thought he’d witnessed a reconciliation between her and Max, and the day rolled by without hide nor hair of him. She wanted to message John and tell him he’d been mistaken, but what if he came back saying he’d never even considered that? Then she would look stupid, and she would have planted the idea in his head! Eventually she could stand it no longer; she messaged him as though the whole Max thing had never happened.

Gemma said you popped by. She said Alfred’s fine, which is great! How did he seem when you left him? Come and see me, I have big news! Don’t want to do it over the phone. Xxx

She got a reply—after a much longer delay than she would have liked.

Yes, Alfred seemed fine. It’s a big change but I’m hopeful he’ll see it’s the best thing for him. I said maybe in time he could get a place of his own in Willow Bay, rent somewhere, I’d help him with deposits and stuff. Anyway, fingers crossed. Big news? I’ll try and get down when I have time. X

She noted the one kiss, as well as the when I have time. That wasn’t good. She recognized a brush-off when she saw one. She was going to have face this head-on.

Just so you know. Annie messaged back. What you saw, in the hall, isn’t what you thought you saw. xx

Chapter 78

Annie spent the largest part of the following day wrestling with herself. She desperately wanted to call John and tell him that she was in a position to buy Saltwater Nook, but her pride kept pulling her finger away from tapping on his name each time she got out her phone to see if he’d messaged. Needless to say, neither of them had suggested tandem reading last night.

“What is with you?” asked Gemma.

“Oh, nothing, I’m just worried about Alfred and stewing about John.”

“You’ve not heard from John, then?”

“Not since yesterday.”

“Have you messaged him since?”

“Certainly not!”

Gemma rolled her eyes.

“Anyone heard how Alfred’s getting on?” asked Maeve, strolling in with Podrick panting along at her side. “I know it’s the best thing for him and all that, but it’s a blow for me. I could really use his help chopping some wood. I lost a yew tree last year in a storm and I’ve had it drying in one of the outbuildings. He’s jolly good company too. Doesn’t talk unless he’s got something worth saying.”

Annie and Gemma furnished her with as much as they knew.