Her phone buzzed again. P.S., Harriet wrote, Too bad you couldn’t join us for lunch. I made a delicious chicken vegetable soup last night, brought it in a thermos, and shared it with Mimi and Jacob. And I flirted with Jacob. And I was nice! Jacob gave me the sweetest smile.

Christina went warm all over. So Harriet had taken her advice and was softening. Maybe she’d even become pleasant!

Again, her phone buzzed. P.P.S., Harriet texted, but I still wish I knew if Jacob had money. If he even owns a condo on the island, that would clinch the matter for me.

You’re such a romantic, Christina texted back.

She started to put down her phone, when a thought struck her. Harriet, get a copy of the town voter registration. We call it the Nosy Book. It will tell you where Jacob lives and what kind of neighborhood his house is in. Then you can check with the town clerk to see if he owns the house.

Immediately Harriet texted back, Christina, what a good idea! I think you’re my best friend in the world!

Well, that’s a terrifying idea, Christina thought. HEY! her Inner Christina snapped. Don’t be so judgmental. You don’t know what her life has been like, or who she’s dated. Give her a break.

“You’re right,” Christina said aloud. “I will.”

At four o’clock, as darkness fell, customers were few and far between. By six o’clock, Christina had tidied her shop for the next day, prepared her bank bag, and locked her shop door. Business had been great, so she was feeling optimistic, although she stepped gingerly over the bricks as she made her way to her car. Her heart had been warmed by Andy’s visit. She was no longer worried about the gorgeous Anastasiya, and she felt certain that whatever happened with Oscar and the rent, she and Andy were on their way to a serious relationship. Not only was she crazy sexually attracted to the man, she also just plain liked him. He was gorgeous, and he was nice. And he was making her believe that he felt the same way about her.

“What a difference a day makes,” she hummed as she entered her house. Last night she’d been completely exhausted and downhearted. Tonight she was close to floating on air.

“Mittens, my good old feline friend!” She turned on the Christmas tree lights, sat on the sofa, and sweet-talked her cat until Mittens actually jumped in her lap and allowed her to pet her. “I’ve ignored you recently, haven’t I?” she said, running her fingers through her silky fur. “But you know I love you, you gorgeous girl.”