A gentle purr came from the bed. At least Jane was sleeping. Good for her. Although she might wake up more well-rested in the morning, Annie doubted she would offer to open up the shop for her any time soon.

Jane had minded the shop all afternoon yesterday and while Annie had understood her reaction—she believed it was more fueled by jealousy than anger—it had been pure agony for her. For all she knew, Jane had really blown a fuse and was calling Kristin all sorts of names—even though that wasn’t Jane’s style at all. Every time she went for a listen in the hallway, the murmurs from downstairs had sounded like the everyday sounds of a book and coffee shop running alongside each other. No raised voices, although Annie could well imagine that Jane was staring daggers at Kristin. That was much more her style.

After Jane had come up, she’d locked herself in her office, something she never did in the evening. Annie went down to the shop and made sure everything was left in order for the next day, before returning to the flat to flick restlessly through TV channels. A quick look at the receipts informed her it had been an above-average day. Jane had probably been busy. It was ironic that she’d had to step out of her comfort zone so much just to spite Annie.

Annie had knocked on the door and asked whether Jane wanted some dinner. An offer she had refused with a curt, “No, thanks.” At least Annie was still afforded the courtesy of being thanked for asking.

They hadn’t talked and Jane was obviously still stewing. When it started getting late and Annie’s eyelids started fluttering shut, Jane had come out of her office and had dumped Annie’s pillow and the spare duvet on the couch, making the sleeping arrangements for the night clear.

But at least Jane was sleeping. Annie hoped a good night’s rest would allow her to wake up with a bit more peace of mind and clarity about the situation.

Annie closed the bedroom door, then changed her mind and left it ajar. She wanted Jane to notice she’d come to check on her. However minute the gesture, it was the only way to let Jane know how much she cared.

Annie woke up to the sound of her phone alarm. She wasn’t used to the ringtone and had to get her bearings for a moment. Couch. Backache. Standoff with Jane. Right. It was going to be a wonderful Sunday.