“If you trust Flora, then that’s fine. I trust you.”

“I think it’ll help Isy. The last time she came to visit, she was so excited and interested in everything about Flora’s shop.”

Nikki sat back in her chair. “Yes, she seems to like her a lot.”

“Flora said Isy could also have a part-time job there, if she wanted.”

“That’s nice of her. I don’t know if Isy could cope with that just yet—I can’t get her to school most days. I’ll need to make some decisions on that soon. So, what’s the story with you and Flora?”

“What do you mean?” Mack said.

“Well, I don’t normally see you take that much care of someone outside the family. Is she just a friend or—”

“She’s a friend that I really care about, and I don’t know if she can feel that way about me, but she’s got in here.” Mack pointed to her heart.

There was no one else in the world Mack would be so honest with.

“Well, that’s something. I thought we both were never going to lose our hearts.”

“I never thought so, but it just creeps up on you,” Mack said.

Nikki got up and sat on the corner of the desk next to Mack. “It wouldn’t creep up on me. I’ve got a heart of stone, except for my family. But if it would make you happy, then go for it.”

“We’re going to spend the day together on Sunday. Ma and Aunt Chrissy say it’s okay to miss Sunday lunch.”

“Wait.” Nikki sat forward and frowned. “I never get to miss Sunday lunch because of a woman.”

“That’s because you’re generally just trying to sleep with them.”

“And you’re not interested in that with Ms. Sweet Shop?”

“No…yes…no—shut up, it’s different.”

“I’m only kidding,” Nikki said. “You have a good day. You deserve it.”

* * *

Flora must have tried on every new outfit she had bought, before settling on a pair of jeans and a blouse. She was so late.

Flora hurried to the barber’s and saw Mack and Isla sitting on the couch. Isla was throwing nuts for Mack to catch with her mouth. They were adorable together, and watching Mack like this, it was hard to imagine her being the Sharkey enforcer that everyone seemed to fear.

Flora opened the door and said, “I’m so sorry, I’m late.”

“Don’t worry about. We’ve lots of time,” Mack said.

Mack and Isy followed her next door, and Flora quickly unlocked the shutter and let them in.

“I pulled all the decorations out of the storeroom last night. They really need updating, but I never did because Sandra and I were never good with going up ladders and things.”

“Well, I’m here now. So is Isy. We’ll help, won’t we?”