‘Yep! She came round last night,’ George answered, then carried on whistling, and ignored Roger pulling faces at him.

Hours passed, and George was becoming restless. Tuesdays were always a bit quiet in the market, so he decided to pack up early, eager to call into the shop to see Sarah.

‘You off, mate?’ Roger asked.

‘Yeah, things to do, places to be and people to see,’ George said.

‘You mean you’re off to see Sarah. Good luck, mate.’

‘Cheers,’ George called, but he knew it would take more than luck for Sarah to fall for him.

A while later, George pulled up outside the corner shop and took a few deep breaths to calm himself. Then he walked in with his stomach churning. Sarah was stacking some shelves, but when she heard the bell above the door ring, she spun around and looked at George. He saw her smile turn into a frown then watched her stomp across the shop and stand behind the counter with her hands placed on top. ‘What a coincidence,’ she said with a sarcastic tone, ‘I was going to come to see you later, but you’ve saved me the bother.’

‘Oh, what was you coming to see me about?’ George asked, perplexed.

‘Turn that sign round to “closed”. I don’t want anyone hearing this.’

George did as he was told, but couldn’t work out why she sounded so angry with him.

‘Would you like to explain to me how Tommy found the bracelet, watch and ring that you told me you’d sold?’

George could feel himself instantly deflate, and struggled to find an answer.

‘Well?’ Sarah pushed.

He chewed on the side of his mouth, reluctant to tell her the truth, but the mood she was in, he felt he had no other options. ‘I couldn’t sell them, Sarah, not round here. They’re too fancy, so I bought them and kept them.’

‘Why would you do that? And why lie to me about it?’

‘I don’t know … you seemed to be struggling, and I wanted to help you out. I thought I was doing you a favour.’

‘So, you thought I was a charity case.’

‘Yes … no … I …’ George spluttered.

‘You gave me a lot of money for those pieces, and seeing the state I was in, more than you needed to.’

George was beginning to feel exasperated. He wasn’t very good at being put on the spot, and blurted out, ‘Isn’t it obvious why, Sarah? I’m in love with you. I have been since I first set eyes on you, sat on the kerb like a little lost stray.’