Jane knocked back the last of her champagne. “This means so much to Annie. I think she feels she’s got a second chance. She’s reading even more than before. I think she really wants to have read every new book that comes in, in order to give the best possible recommendations. I told her it was impossible, but I have a sneaky suspicion it’s her way of dealing with the change. Because it is a big change. She’s so used to being in this shop on her own. Granted, she’s much more sociable than I am, but she’s quite solitary as well, in a way.”

“Jane, come here.” Sheryl ambled up to them, arms wide open. “Have I told you how honored I am to be in business with you?” She threw her arms around Jane and pulled her into a hug.

“About a dozen times already,” Jane replied. “But you can keep saying it, if you like.”

“I’ve even persuaded Lou and Mia to read your books. I think Mia has gone through most of them and Lou is quickly catching up.”

“I shall be forever grateful,” Jane said.

Lou recognized the tiny signs of retreat—the stiffening of the smile, the too-fast blink of the eye—in Jane. She was even more uneasy dealing with praise than she was dealing with people.

Lou left them to their conversation and found Amber and Martha chatting to Micky and Jo.

“All the things that have happened since I started work at the Pink Bean,” Micky said. “No offense, Jo, but you worked there for two years before me and nothing spectacular happened. I show up, and boom!”

“Yes, Michaela.” Jo gave her a round of fake applause. “You are the very reason for all the wonders of our world. I shall compose a song in your honor and sing it—”

Amber turned to Lou. “They’re at it again. I think Micky misses Jo much more than she will ever admit. I’ve known Micky forever, but we don’t have that kind of relationship.”

“That’s because you take everything so seriously, babe.” Martha leaned into Amber. “Nothing is trivial in your world. I love that about you.”

“Hello, friends.” Mia slung an arm around Lou’s neck. She held a bottle of champagne in her free hand. “Who wants a refill?”

Everyone held out their glass, except for Amber and Lou.

“We’re both teaching tomorrow,” Amber said. “Best keep it civilized.”

Mia shook her head. “I was told those Sunday morning classes were meant to be taught alternately. This is young love you’re standing in the way of, Amber.” Mia kissed Lou on the cheek, then turned to Martha. “What do you say, Martha? Shall we start a petition against Sunday morning classes at Glow so we can keep our significant others in bed a little longer?”