Christina had almost stopped weeping but at this news she burst into helpless sobs. “Not only is she beautiful, she’s an animal lover!”

“Well, let’s worry about all that later. Let’s get you in bed for now.”

“I’m really fine,” Christina said. “I need to get back to my shop.”

“Yes, and I’m sure you’ll be able to once the doctor checks you over,” Annette said. She helped Christina onto the bed and covered her in soft blankets. “Just close your eyes and rest a wee bit now. I’ll be back.”

Christina obeyed. Warmth melted into her body, her muscles relaxed, and her breathing slowed.

Annette returned to the room. “Christina, there’s a young man insisting on seeing you. His name is Andy Bittlesman.”

Christina snorted. “Give that young man his girlfriend’s fur hat and tell him to go away.”

“Whatever you say.”

Annette left. A few moments later she was back. “He says to tell you she’s not his girlfriend.”

“She dried him off!” Christina blurted, and her tears started up again.

Annette looked puzzled. “If you don’t want to see him, you don’t have to.”

With her bright blue down coat rustling, Mimi rushed into the room.

“They said I could come in,” Mimi told her. “I’ve got your briefcase. When you fell, it slid away from you, so it didn’t get wet.”

“Good.” Christina sat up, holding a blanket around her shoulders. “My cell and wallet are in there. Thanks, Mimi. But what are you doing here? What about your shop?”

“The DPW has closed off that section of the wharf while they fix the broken pipe,” Mimi told her. “They’ve sanded the area where the water froze and it’s off-limits.”

“You’re losing business!” Christina cried. “I’m so sorry!”

Mimi plopped down on the bed next to Christina and hugged her close. “Don’t worry about that. We’ll be fine. Once word gets around town about the pipe breaking, people will swarm to check it out and they’ll stop by our shops. It’s great publicity. The most important thing is, how are you?”

Warmed by Mimi’s affection, Christina said, “Physically? I’m fine, except for a bump on my bum. Emotionally, I’m a basket case.”

“Of course you are,” Mimi said, hugging Christina tighter. “That must have been a terrifying few moments.”

“It was. But something else…just before the pipe burst, I saw Andy walking with his girlfriend.”

“Oh, crackers!” Mimi exclaimed. “I saw her, too. Anastasiya Belousova. They say she’s the most beautiful woman on this planet. Her eyes are amazing, like a husky dog’s eyes. I mean, really, Anastasiya Belousova on our little island!”

Christina turned her head away to hide her tears.

“Oh, dear. I’m sorry, Christina. I’m such a dunce. I forgot you’re seeing Andy.”