“A little,” she admitted, “but it’s always there. I can visit anytime I like.”

They came to a stop beside her BMW, and as she unlocked it he handed her the wine. “Not so bad?” he asked teasingly.

She frowned.

“Going for dinner with me?”

She had to laugh in spite of her awkwardness. “Definitely not so bad,” she assured him. “I enjoyed it, a lot.”

“Me too. I’ll call soon to arrange when we can do it again.”

“That would be lovely, but don’t forget we’re seeing you on the concert opening night.”

“Don’t worry, I’m looking forward to it,” and taking a step back he waved her into the driver’s seat, as though sensing that anything more would be too much.

She appreciated the gesture, in spite of feeling that she might not have minded if he’d squeezed her hand, or even given her a peck on the cheek.

Chapter Twenty-One

Andee’s smile was one of amusement and fondness as Tom’s son, Richie, embraced her warmly enough to melt the icy raindrops on his jacket. It was bitterly cold outside, and so cozy in the Seafront Café that the windows were steamed up and the posters Fliss had put up to promote the upcoming concert were starting to wilt.

“How are you?” she asked, signaling to a server to come and take their order as Richie sat into the booth opposite her.

“Yeah, great, thanks, and thanks for meeting me.”

“No problem. It was lovely to get your call. Is everything working out at the Gazette?”

He rolled his eyes comically. “If the owners understood that we’re now in the twenty-first century it would be a start,” he replied, “but I’m kind of getting there. Actually, I’ve been told that if I don’t succeed it’ll fold, so no pressure.”

Andee grimaced with sympathy and after they’d ordered their coffees she said, “I’m sorry I don’t have much time, but it sounded urgent when you rang.”

“Actually, I’m not sure if it is,” he confessed, “but Dad and Leanne agreed that I should tell you what happened.”

Andee was intrigued.