“What’s Nikki like?”

“Super confident.”

“Like you?” Flora smiled.

“In a different way. She’s our leader, and a natural one at that, just like my uncle Thomas. She runs our business, The Sharkey Group. We have property, the Sharkey casino, gyms, the pubs and clubs, and some other companies we’ve acquired over the years.”

“You’d need to be confident to manage all that. What does she look like?”

“Much more sophisticated than me. She went to university, and I went to train as a barber. She’s the clever one.”

“I’m sure that’s not true,” Flora said.

“We’re just different. I’m butch, in case you hadn’t noticed, and a little rough around the edges,” Mack joked, “and she’s a sophisticated femme.”

“I’d noticed.”

She stopped and looked at Flora with a grin. That comment had sounded flirty and so unlike Flora. “Do you want to take a seat?”

Flora nodded and they walked over to a bench. They sat and watched the water while Dexter ran around at their feet.

“So, Nikki?” Flora asked.

“Aye, she’s a powerful woman. I’ve seen people quake in her presence from just a look.”

“I think I would be a bit frightened to meet her.”

Mack laughed. “No, she isn’t frightening to her family and friends, which I’m sure she’d be if you met her. She’s a big softie when it comes to Isla.”

“I wanted to say, bring Isla in to see me at the shop any time she’s visiting you. She really enjoyed being in the shop, I think.”

“She did, but she liked you more than anything. She hasn’t stopped talking about you.” Mack smiled.

“I think we get each other. I see a lot of me in her.”

“Yeah, I noticed that connection. I think it would be good for her to have a friend that isn’t a Sharkey. Give her a different perspective.”

“I’d be happy to have her any time at the shop. In fact, I’ll be decorating the shop for Christmas before long—maybe you both could help?” Flora said in a soft tone.

“I know Isy would love it. She said it was like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Well, a smaller version. And I would too.”

When she said that, Flora had the biggest smile on her face.

“I was the same when I was a girl,” Flora said. “My grandad’s shop was the most exciting place in the world to me. Warm, comforting, and safe, while he was there.”

Mack took a chance and covered Flora’s hand with hers. “You feel safe now that I’m next door, don’t you?”

Flora looked at her silently. “I do, but I don’t know why you’re being so nice to me, helping me, being so supportive.”