“I kind of did.” Lou sank into a chair and lifted the lid of a pot that was standing in the middle of the table. She got a whiff of what was inside and her stomach started growling. She’d barely had the time to have a single bite of food before Meredith’s phone had started ringing. “But I have no desire to see her again.”

Her father sat at the table next to her. “Better luck next time,” he said.

It was kind of funny to hear her dad say these words to her with such conviction in his tone. She knew he meant it, that all he wanted was for Lou to be the happiest she could possibly be, but it was just the way he said it. Like he was her best buddy instead of her father.

“Let’s talk about something else,” Lou said. “I stopped by Annie’s shop this afternoon. It’s not doing well.”

“I know.” Her mother sat as well. “I was talking about it with Beryl this afternoon. Her son overheard us and he said we should set up a crowdfunding campaign to save the shop.”

Lou nodded. Her mother put a hand on her shoulder. “Are you sure you’re all right, honey?” She’d been asking that question more than usual ever since Lou had told her parents that she had run into Mia Miller.

“I’m fine. I’d just like to do something for Annie, but I don’t know what. She’s had that shop for almost twenty years.” She pursed her lips together. “Let me think about the crowdfunding idea for a bit.” She delved into her bag and dug up the book she’d bought. “I couldn’t help myself. Couldn’t leave her shop without buying something.”

Her dad picked up the book. “My copy was beginning to fall apart. We can do with a new one.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Lou was grateful that her father was not the kind of guy who would make her feel bad about buying a book they already owned. He would probably have bought it himself if he’d been in Annie’s shop and just heard about her plight.

A silence fell and she caught a passing glance between her parents.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

“Angie called again,” her mother said on a sigh.

“Oh Christ. What did she say now?”

“The usual things. She’s sorry. Could I talk to you on her behalf. She’s going to change. On and on,” her mother said.

“I’m sorry you had to listen to that.” Lou rubbed her palms against her eyes. “What did you say to her?”

“I mostly listened. Then I told her you had made your decision.”

“I made my decision six months ago. It’s about time she starts accepting it.”

“She’s upset because she realizes she made a big mistake,” her father chimed in.