The town is picturesque set against the background of the lake. And the diner stands out in an otherwise colourless town.

It looks like something that walked out of 1950s America, and I love the authenticity, even from a distance. This is owned by someone who’s worked out their market and nailed it. And I bet they do a roaring business while we’re filming here.

I park the car outside and lock it before heading toward the door.

The tables are mostly full with customers, their hands wrapped around their coffee cups as if they’re trying to suck all the heat out of them into their skin. I don’t blame them with how cold it is outside, but it’s toasty warm in here.

The stools by the counter are empty, bar two. They’re occupied by a dark-haired man, and a little girl eating a burger.

There’s one person being served, and I walk over to wait behind him.

“That burger looks good,” I say to the little girl.

She turns to me and smiles, her whole face lighting up. “My mummy made it.”

“Did she? I hope she makes mine.”

“Want a chip?” She holds up a fry, and I shake my head with a grin.

“No thanks. I’m just about to order my own. Are you having a thickshake too? They’re so good.”

She nods, the plait in her hair flying. “This is my second one.”

“Really?”

“I was soooo hungry after school.”

“That’s because you didn’t eat your lunch. Again.”

A voice comes from the door into the kitchen.

The man in front of me moves, and I get a clear view. My heart skips a beat.

It can’t be.

“I don’t like my lunch.”

My heart’s in my throat as she comes closer.

As large as life, Dee—my Dee walks out of the kitchen until she stands on the other side of the counter to the girl. Her focus is entirely on the child—she doesn’t even glance at me.

“There’s nothing wrong with your lunch.”

“Did you want to order, sir?” Another voice knocks me out of my stupor, and I turn to the woman at the cash register.

I swallow hard. “Uhhh yeah. I had a couple of burgers and thickshake delivered earlier, and I was wondering if I could get two more burgers and another thickshake.”

She nods. “We only had one delivery order today, so I can bring that up on the system and sort that for you. Just give me one minute.”

“Thanks.”