Hannah found the local place Julie recommended without issue. A narrow premises not much wider than its double-door entry, Frank’s was tucked away between a cigar store and what looked like one of those pet pampering places for Park Avenue pooches.

She headed inside, finding to her relief that for this hour of the morning, there was surprisingly no line, just a couple of customers waiting on orders and oh my, what was that mouth-watering smell …

‘Are those fresh?’ she gasped, approaching an old-style wooden and glass display cabinet filled with the most delectable pastries and sweet treats imaginable, but indicating the cannoli in particular. Yes, she wanted to try the cinnamon rolls Julie recommended, but oh was she a goner for fresh cannoli …

‘Made just this morning,’ replied a booming voice from behind the counter, a heavyset man in his mid-fifties who she guessed must be the titular Frank. ‘What can I get you? Or should I say how many?’ he chuckled, dark eyes twinkling.

Hannah laughed. ‘I’d love to say them all but I think that might be pushing it. Just one for now, and a coffee too, thanks. Black, no milk or sugar.’ Since this didn’t seem to be the kind of place that offered macchiatos, lattes and such. Which suited her perfectly, since too much choice made her head spin.

‘Sure, let me ring you up and pickup’s just this end,’ Frank said, indicating further down where some other patrons stood, drinking coffee or waiting on their orders.

There were a couple of tiny tables and an empty pair of stools lined up at a full-length window just inside the door, and Hannah thought how nice it would be to sit there for a bit and watch the world go by outside. She made a mental note to do just that at the weekend maybe. Frank’s seemed like one of those charming old-style people-watching spots that had been around forever. And she was pretty certain that, given the opportunity, the man himself would have a story or two to tell.

‘That’ll be six dollars and ten,’ he said and Hannah duly lifted her wrist to tap with her watch.

But Frank shook his head. ‘Sorry, cash only here,’ he apologized, pointing to a nearby sign on the wall that she’d failed to register.

The downside of old-world charm.

‘Oh! Sorry, I didn’t think to bring any with me. You don’t do card payments, even?’ she blustered, reaching into her purse on the off-chance there might be a couple of bills in her wallet. It was just for something to say though, since Hannah knew she didn’t have any cash on her and, in truth, rarely used it anymore. ‘Sorry, I’ll need to cancel it then,’ she admitted, crestfallen. And she truly was. That cannoli looked (and smelled) incredible.