“Because the woman working the coffee machine in your shop doesn’t really think before she speaks.” Mia shot her one of her smiles. Christ, that girl had a smile on her. For a split second, Jane wondered, now that Annie had developed a crush on another woman, why she’d gone and fallen for Kristin and not Mia—because Annie did have a history of falling for the younger ones. Jane shrugged it off as a ridiculous thought and flashed Mia a smile back.

“This is why I’m not that fond of small talk,” Jane said.

“Is that what this is? Small talk?” Mia asked. “And I thought we were friends having a meaningful conversation.” She still had that smile on her face.

Friends? Maybe Jane had a hard time recognizing the blossoming of a friendship because of what had happened last time she’d got too friendly with someone. “I’d say we’re well on the way to being friends.”

Mia puffed some air out of her cheeks. “And what? I’m still on probation for now? What does it take to become friends with Jane Quinn, then? Do enlighten me so I can adjust my strategy.”

Jane chuckled. “It’s very simple, but make no mistake, it’s by no means easy.” The way Jane was bantering with Mia right then, they might as well be friends. “You have to take me as I am. The full dysfunctional, hypersensitive package.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Jane. I was just telling Lou the other day that I’m sure the reason why she’s such a good teacher is because of how sensitive and perceptive she is. I’m willing to bet that’s why you’re such a great writer. All the emotion you’re able to convey must come from somewhere.”

Jane narrowed her eyes. She was starting to see Mia in a different light altogether. “What on earth are you doing working in a coffee shop, Mia? You should be a psychotherapist or a spiritual healer or something of that ilk.”

Mia chuckled. “Hardly.”

The door of the shop opened and they both looked at who walked in.

Annie, wet hair clinging to her head, waved at them. “Only me,” she said.

For a split second, Jane was sad that her alone time with Mia had come to an end.

Chapter Twenty-Five

It was ten minutes before closing time and Annie was contemplating putting up the Closed sign early when the door of the book shop swung open and Sheryl stood in the doorway.

Annie’s heart skipped a beat. Kristin had kept her promise and stayed away from the shop. Annie had no idea what she’d told Sheryl about the reason she wasn’t spending any more time in the Newtown branch.