“Yes,” he said. “I always come on a Monday!”

The heat spread up her neck to her cheeks.

“Smashing!” she said.

Smashing? What kind of response was that?

“I’d be happy to show you the delights of Willow Bay if you need a welcome guide,” said Paul.

“I’ve been to the Sunken Willow,” said Annie.

“Okay,” said Paul. “In that case, why don’t I take you on a tour of the rest of Willow Bay on Saturday afternoon, and we’ll finish with a meal at the Captain’s Bounty?”

“Sounds good,” said Annie.

Wait, is this a date? Oh my God, it sounds like a date!

“I’ll pick you up at three o’clock?” Paul asked, breaking Annie’s inner monologue.

“Great! And then you’ll have come on a Saturday too!” said Annie, and she instantly wished she could be swept away by a large wave.

Paul laughed.

“Lucky me!” he said. “Well, I’d better finish off.”

Annie looked at him dumbly.

“The windows?” said Paul.

“Windows!” said Annie. “Finish off the windows, of course. Great. I’ll probably get dressed. Will get dressed. Obviously. I don’t just stay in pajamas all day; that would be weird. I’m going now. I’ll see you Saturday. I won’t have pajamas on then. I’m going, bye!”

Paul smiled. Annie turned and climbed back up the steps to the front door, her hedgehog slippers slapping and flapping on every stair.

“By the way,” Paul called, as Annie pushed open the door.

She turned.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“Annie,” she said.

“Good to meet you, Annie,” said Paul, and he swaggered out through the gate, a damp cloth hanging out of the back pocket of his jeans.

Annie pushed the door closed and leaned against it. She was sweating. Every part of her, from the inside out. Even her eyebrows were sweating.

She called her beautician.

“Treena’s Beauty Parlor!” trilled Treena.

“Hi, Treena, it’s Annie Sharpe.”

“Annie!” said Treena. “Crikey, it’s been a while!”

“Yeah,” said Annie. “I’ve been remiss in the body hair department lately.”

“I thought you’d found another lady,” said Treena.

“Oh no,” said Annie. “I’ve just been au naturel for a while.”

“Word is you’ve left Max,” said Treena.

“As usual,” said Annie, “the word is right. Max and I have split up.”

“I’m not sorry to hear it,” said Treena.