I sit clutching the latte, warming my hands. The heat and aroma of freshly ground coffee is a comfort. Like a hug in a mug. My dad used to say that, first thing in the morning, with a roll-up dangling from his lips. I’ve been drinking more coffee lately, but it’s hardly surprising. The lack of sleep is a killer, but everyone says it won’t last forever.

Susie slides into the booth opposite me, an enormous grin on her face. ‘When can you start then?’

‘Whenever you want. Will afternoon shifts be okay? I’ve got to work around Ben’s nights.’

‘Of course. I’m so pleased to have you on board. I love your tea shop idea. I’ve been shopping for gingham fabric already. Anyway, we’ll have plenty of time to brainstorm on expanding.’

‘I’m looking forward to it to. I owe you one,’ I lean forward and whisper, nodding towards the three remaining computers at the back of the shop. A gap on the left where the fourth used to be. My computer.

‘Don’t be silly, pet. I just should have been more careful where I put my bucket. Soaked everything. The hard drive was ruined.’ She winks and pats my hand.

I have to stop myself from throwing my arms around her. Instead I bite my lip and swallow the lump that has formed in my throat.

I gave it my best at the boxing club and stuck it out for as long as I could, almost nine months to be exact, but after a heart-to-heart with Jason I resigned. As it happened, Louise stepped in to take on my role and she’s working out fine. It’s keeping her out of trouble and Jason is smitten. I’m there most mornings for an hour or so, it keeps me sane. I’d missed sparring and dancing around the punchbag and I was never going to set foot inside Pulse again.

I decided to invest some of the money from the sale of Mum’s house into Baristas and give Susie a hand with the business. After the boxing club, I didn’t want to go back to working in an office and was happy to lend my marketing skills to ensure the coffee shop kept thriving. I’ll be more behind the scenes than customer facing, starting with the rebranding Susie suggested last year. We won’t be going with the name ‘Roasted’ though. I wasn’t expecting her to make me a partner, but she did. We signed on the dotted line yesterday. Now we’re stuck with each other whether we like it or not.