“That’s true. It’s also true that you and Andy are a generation younger than Oscar and me. You’re not as set in your ways. You and Andy are both changing—I can see you two changing. You can move toward each other. You can change each other. It won’t be easy. I doubt if life with any Bittlesman can be easy, but who needs easy when they can have romantic?”

Christina laughed. “Janice, you’re a wonder.” She hugged the other woman tightly.

“So I can trust you not to tell anyone, especially my island friends, about my relationship with Oscar?”

“I’ll keep your secret, Janice, I promise.”

“Thank you.” Janice opened the door and stepped inside. “Go on now, before we both freeze to death.”

“Wait! Do you think Oscar will come to my shop tomorrow?”

“Honey, I don’t interfere in Oscar’s business and he doesn’t interfere in mine. All I can say is that I wish you both well.”

Christina couldn’t stop smiling as she walked to her car. Oscar and Janice! She understood and respected Janice’s position. She could see how it would add to the fun for them both. Like a child’s game of pretend.

Although it was too bad Christina couldn’t have implored Janice to convince Oscar to be charitable about the rent. But Janice had said clearly that she didn’t interfere in Oscar’s business.

And anyway, maybe, Christina thought as she settled in her car, just maybe her plan would work and Oscar would be honorable about her challenge and not raise the rent.

But of course, maybe not. He was a cranky, money-mad old miser.

Should she tell the other Shedders about her bet? She thought about this as she parked her car and hurried down the brick sidewalk to the wharf. Should she get their hopes up when most likely Oscar wouldn’t budge? Yes, because they would all be affected by the outcome.

She was fifteen minutes late opening her shop, but she didn’t regret her impulsive action. Customers were waiting by her door, and as soon as she opened it, people poured in. She had no time to think about Oscar or Andy. No time to check her cellphone. Angels, elves, mermaids, pirates, and boats of every kind flew out of her store with happy customers.

During a lull, her store was empty while people were off having lunch. Christina changed the OPEN sign on her door to the WILL RETURN IN THIRTY MINUTES sign.

Andy tapped on the window. At the sight of him, her heart leapt.

“Come in, Andy,” she said.

Andy stepped inside. He waited until Christina had locked the door before he spoke.

“You haven’t returned any of my phone calls.”