It was midmorning, and while Sandra called the suppliers, Flora was putting out some stock. She heard a knock on the glass of the shop door. When she looked up, Flora got a rush of excitement. It was Mack with Dexter.

“Hi, can I bring Dexter in the shop?”

“Yes, of course.”

Flora stood up from her crouched position and ran her fingers through her hair. Her hair was a mess. But why was she so concerned by her appearance all of a sudden?

Dexter pulled Mack through the door and jumped up at Flora excitedly.

“Dex, down,” Mack said.

“It’s okay. Can I pick him up?”

“Aye, of course.”

Flora lifted the little dog, and he kissed her all over the face, making her giggle.

“I’m sorry, but he seems to like you,” Mack said.

“Don’t be sorry. I like him.” Flora kissed his ears and his snout. “I love dogs.”

“Do you have one?”

Flora shook her head. “No. I’d always thought a dog would be good for me, though.”

“Well, feel free to borrow Dexter any time.” Flora smiled and stroked Dexter’s head. “I wanted to thank you for the sweets, and the dog treats.”

“You’re welcome.”

Surprisingly for Flora, she felt nervous talking to Mack but didn’t feel that awkward fear that she did with everyone else, apart from Sandra. It was an excited nervous.

Mack scratched the back of her head. “Listen, I’m not going to talk about anything in the past, but I know it was a shock to see me again. My note, did you—”

“Yes, I read it, and thanks—it made me feel better.”

“Great. I didn’t want you to be worried about what I might say. You can talk to me whenever or never. I don’t want to make you feel bad.”

Could Mack get any more attractive? Because that’s what this excitement was. Attraction. It hadn’t hit her very often and not for a long time. Sometimes she didn’t even think she was capable of it, but once or twice it had snuck up on her. What with the gay pub around the corner and the club across the road, she had seen a few women who pricked up her interest, but none like Mack.

“Thank you.” Flora looked down at her big cardigan and wished she had worn something less frumpy. She tried to make her mush of a mind come up with something to say. She cleared her throat and said, “How is the new shop going?”

“Really well. Last week we just had a few appointments to find our feet, but this week it’s full on. I’m really enjoying it.”

“That’s good.” Flora’s mouth went dry, and she struggled with what to say next. She turned her attention to Dexter and scratched his ears. “You’re a gorgeous boy, aren’t you?”