She grins. “If they pay as well as they did for today …”

“Exactly. Anyway, I’m going to get this one home because we’re both tired. I dropped Jo off on the way.”

Pania sighs. “Some days, I’m really glad we close at five.”

“Me too. Come over for a wine when you’ve closed up? I don’t feel like cooking dinner, but I’ve got some leftover spaghetti and meatballs in the fridge to heat up.”

“That sounds perfect.”

“Come on, Melly.” I take my daughter by the hand and lead her out the back door, across the small car park and over the road to our house.

We’re quite lucky here. It’s quiet, being off the main street, and we’re the last house with a gap of about three sections between us and the nearest neighbour.

I’m grateful for the peace and quiet.

“Dodged a bullet, then,” Pania says. She takes a sip of the sauvignon blanc we opened before dinner.

Melly fell asleep straight after eating, and I tucked her into bed still in her clothing. It’s been a big day for her. She’s used to going to the diner after school, but not so used to waiting there until nearly closing time.

“You could say that.”

“I bet you’re curious about him.”

I smile, running my finger around the rim on the glass. “Of course I am.”

“Are you still hung up on him? After all this time?”

I shake my head. “No. He killed that a long time ago. But I’ve been reminded of him every freaking day when I see Melly’s eyes. She’s so much like him in that respect.”

“I’ll have to take a look if I get a chance.” She licks her lips. “You know, you could always take up Damon’s offer. At least then you’d have the excuse of a boyfriend if Josh turned up.”

I groan. “Nothing against him, but you know I’m not interested. He hangs around enough now. If I went out with him, I’d probably end up having to get a restraining order.”

She nods. “I think you’re right there.”

“I’ve made it really clear to him that I’m not interested.”

“And yet he’s still there every day in the same seat waiting for you to serve him.”

I roll my eyes. “He must have been disappointed today.”

“Oh, he was. Today he even tried to engage your daughter in conversation. Melly just gave him the cold shoulder. Told him she wasn’t allowed to talk to strangers.”

My mouth falls open. She sees him nearly every day when he sits at the counter. “She didn’t.”