“‘Good morning, Jemma, wow, what lovely weather we’re having today … aside from the breeze, that is. Can I go and get you a coffee to start your workday?’” I made my voice go as deep as I could, which only made me sound ridiculously pompous.

Coincidentally my brother, who I was mocking, was the most pompous twerp on the planet. But he didn’t react to my needling. He never did. He just glared at me with that disapproving shadow in his eyes until I caved.

So I caved.

“The girls in my little art therapy group at the hospital did all the designs for these costumes.” I stood, clutching Luci to me like armour, and gestured to the little framed drawings next to each piece. “I asked them if they wanted a little pocket money for their efforts, but they refused. So, I’m giving back to them this way, instead.”

I returned his glare, daring him to mock me.

“What’s your profit margin on these? Have you taken into account your time? It’s a labour-intensive hobby⁠—”

“It’s my livelihood!” I snapped.

Joe scoffed. “A livelihood that pays for a dingy apartment that you have to share with a friend.”

“Our apartment isn’t dingy, and there isn’t anyone I’d rather live with than Ezra!” I snarled. “Because he’s always had my back.”

Joe folded his long arms over his chest. “He’s always enabled your hare-brained schemes, you mean.”

“I’ve supported her to follow her passion.”

I turned, my mouth falling open, to find Ezra walking side by side with Humphrey. They were carrying coffees, and they both had pink cheeks and smiles that warmed my heart.

Joe turned his withering gaze on Ezra, who held up a hand before Joe could take a breath to start another diatribe.

“There’s no room for your negativity today, Joe. Take it elsewhere. Preferably back to your penthouse on the other side of the city.”

Joe’s head snapped backwards, like he’d been slapped. I fist-pumped behind his back. Ezra saw and grinned, stepping around a slack-jawed Joe to hand me one of the coffees.

Before I had a chance to take a single sip, Paisley, a regular customer, skipped up with her mother in tow. Her own ferret cavorted behind her on his lead. Jonah was a beautiful, sable boy, wearing the teddy bear hat she’d bought last month.

“Jemma! Luci!” she cried, hugging me before stroking Luci under the chin. Luci struggled, and I put her down, where she immediately engaged in a crazy wrestling bout with Jonah. “Oh my God, the mermaid costume is divine! Mum, I need to get a girl ferret so I can buy one!”

Paisley’s mum raised her eyes to the sky. “No more animals, Pais.”