Annie had to keep her mouth from falling open. A peace offering already? She hesitated whether to take it. “Maybe this afternoon. I’m already up and showered anyway.” She inched a little closer. “Can we talk later?”

Jane nodded, a slow up and down of the head.

“Will you come down for a cappuccino?” Annie ventured a smile.

“Yes, and to say hi to Mia.”

Annie beamed a full smile at her wife. “Any exciting plans for the day? I see you’ve slipped into your writing pants.”

“Just some journaling and reading, I think. And let my readers know the next book will be delayed.”

“We can talk about that too later, if you like.”

“Hm.” Jane clearly wasn’t feeling very talkative yet.

“Time to open the shop.” Annie stood there wondering whether it was appropriate to kiss her own wife on the cheek. She decided against it and let Jane set the pace of their reconciliation.

Mia slanted her head and narrowed her eyes. “Are you sure you’re up to running the shop today? You look a bit worse for wear.”

“Given the choice, I would have stayed in bed this morning.” She gave Mia an apologetic smile. “How was the flat hunt yesterday?”

“Depressing.” Mia’s usually cheerful face fell. “The dives real estate agents have the nerve to pass as apartments. And expensive apartments at that. I think Lou will have to move in with me above the fish and chip shop. At least it will be cozy. By the way, cozy is real estate speak for very tiny.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. It was only your first day of looking, though.”

“I think for Lou it was her last. She was so appalled by the price difference between flats in Brisbane and Sydney. I don’t blame her. But we may have to start looking in other neighborhoods.” She shrugged. “We’ll see. We’re not in a great rush. We’re just being very lesbian about wanting to move in together.” The legendary Mia smile was back. “So, what am I going to do about you today? Have you had your morning coffee? Because I’m about to fire up the machine.”

“I will gladly have another.”

“Coming right up.”

Annie watched Mia make her way behind the counter while she sank into a chair. She should have taken Jane up on her offer to open up the shop and get a few more hours of sleep. Just seeing Mia, and her early thirty-something energy, made her tired and very aware she was no spring chicken anymore—not a sentiment that usually bothered Annie.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Mia asked when she presented Annie with a steaming mug of black goodness.

Annie huffed out some air. “Honestly, I would love to talk about it, but I’m afraid I can’t.”