Since the sale had completed the builders had moved in, and because no room dimensions were changing, the kitchen was already being constructed, by hand, in a workshop on the edge of town. There was a lot to do, even more than she’d expected, but when it was finished she knew in her heart that it was going to be the most beautiful home she’d ever owned, and as special as if it were another member of the family.

“You know,” Andee said, as she came back into the room, “I’d be very happy to start recommending you, if you’d like me to.”

Claudia’s eyebrows rose. “But you haven’t actually seen anything yet,” she reminded her.

“I’ve seen enough to know how good you are, and how highly Cassie’s team regard you. So, if you’re OK about me sharing your details . . . Actually, what prospective clients will really want to see is a website with a gallery of your work if you have one.”

Claudia swallowed and looked down to zip up her bag. “Not yet,” she replied. “I mean, I used to, but it wasn’t very good, so I need to find someone to help with a new one. Maybe you could suggest a designer?”

“Of course. You should have a chat with Eddie over in Paradise Cove who did mine. He’s very good, not too expensive, and is in your kind of league when it comes to speed. Actually, he set up the restorative justice site for us too, so there’s another example of his work you could take a look at, although that’s a very different sort of business. It shows his versatility.”

Since the mention of restorative justice brought Dan to her mind Claudia kept her eyes lowered as she said, “I’ll make it my first task once this order is ready.”

Andee smiled, and hefting her bag onto her shoulder, she led the way across the newly laid hardwood floor into the freshly painted hall. As she opened the front door, she said, “I guess now is as good a time as any to bring this up—Dan’s been in touch with me to ask if he can have your number.”

Claudia’s heart gave a jolt. She’d been trying not to think about him since the party, and not always successfully—actually not very successfully at all.

“I told him I’d have to ask you first,” Andee continued, digging her feet into the boots she’d left on the doorstep, “so would you be happy for him to call you?”

Stuck for an answer that wouldn’t sound cold or rude, Claudia said, “Actually, I’m quite busy at the moment, so maybe it’s not a good idea.”