‘Dare I ask what crisis you’re dealing with now?’ Zoe answered by way of greeting after the call rang only once.

Hannah laughed into the device as she ambled down Sixth. ‘For the first time in forever, I think I’m ahead of a crisis, shockingly enough.’

Today had gone far better than she’d expected. She’d hoped to have McKenzie open up a little, but he’d gone even further. When he’d started to talk about his high school days, and then the tough, domineering coach that shaped his early playing years, there had been an openness and vulnerability to him that she’d suspected was there all along but he was so far reluctant to reveal.

She thrived on people opening themselves up to her, and letting down their guard. She understood that it was a gift they were offering and made certain never to abuse the privilege either. When Ward had talked about those early years, she’d seen in his eyes that vulnerable, immature kid he used to be.

Which made her want to uncover so much more. She needed to take her time though, and be doubly careful to ensure she didn’t scare him away. But weirdly, the more she got to know this guy – the real one – the more of a conundrum he seemed to be.

‘So it seems like I have a client who is finally willing to work with me and a neighbour who doesn’t want to set me on fire,’ Hannah said, having filled in her friend on recent events. ‘All in all, a win, yes?’

‘Which is usually when the other shoe drops, no?’

She stopped in her tracks, ready to argue the point and, in doing so, caused a powerwalking, smartphone-wielding stockbroker to collide with her, practically knocking her over. ‘Feck, sorry,’ she gasped, which earned her an insolent glare.

‘Goddamn phone-zombie tourist …’ the man barked, before unironically returning his attention to his own device and picking up the pace.

‘You OK?’ Zoe queried.

‘Yes, I’m just starting to remember where I am. I forgot how rushed everyone is here.’

Her friend clucked on the other end of the line. ‘Regretting the decision to relocate, are we?’

Hannah let out an involuntary shiver, her thoughts briefly transporting her back to LA and the reasons for her escape. ‘Nope. I just have to remember that people are less … zen in these parts.’ She started walking again, trying her best not to dawdle lest she cause a proverbial pile-up on the sidewalk. ‘So,’ she continued, ‘about the other shoe dropping … oh, you of little faith, but I’m thinking positive. I honestly feel like I’ve turned a corner. Things are looking up.’

‘What’s the strategy then?’