‘I like to think that Derry people are among the best in the world,’ Jo grinned. ‘But yes, they are nice people. This is a lovely community. Noah always says there’s a little bit of magic in Ivy Lane. I used to tell him the only magic that existed here was lower business rates – but that was before we got the pub up and running properly. Noah grew up very close to here, you know, with his birth family. Just on the next street over. So he slipped into the Lane quite easily, which made it a little easier for me to fit in too. Then we got to know our neighbours, you know, the regulars and the other shopkeepers like your grandad. You know yourself, it’s impossible not to be won over by him very quickly. Then, when Libby started to renovate this place, and she and Noah fell in love as well… this is a great place to come and work.’ She realised she was babbling and was in danger of sounding like she was from the official Ivy Lane Fan Club.

‘If only there was a job for Chandler Bing computer nerdy types,’ he said. ‘I could be tempted to stay here and not go back.’

‘Really? But what about your family and friends?’ Jo asked, and Lorcan shrugged.

‘Flights are cheap enough for visits these days. Most of my mates are settling down, so it’s not like we’re out on the tear all the time. And, you know, the buns are much nicer here. Derry turnovers and baps are hard to beat,’ he smiled.

‘But you wouldn’t see Scraps,’ Jo said, trying to quell the excitement that was bubbling up at the thought of Lorcan moving here.

‘I think that’s just something I have to come to terms with. Sophie has moved on with her life. I am ready to move on with mine. That’s not going to work if we have joint custody of a dog and have to keep seeing each other. It was getting awkward as it was, which is why I needed time away.’

‘But aren’t you just running from your problems?’ Jo asked, at the same time that she realised she quite liked it that he had run from his problems and she had been able to get to know him. She enjoyed his company, even as just friends, sitting here in the bookshop, chatting. They slipped almost effortlessly between discussing Ewan’s betrayal, to what biscuits were the nicest, to break-ups and back to biscuits again. It was easy with him.

‘God, Jo. Do you really want rid of me that much?’ Lorcan asked and while his tone was light, Jo was sure she could see something sad in his eyes.