It was true that Brown’s had had a monopoly for years, and the recent opening of the bigger chain supermarket in their neighbouring town had been a welcome relief for many in the community. Elle was torn between her dislike of big corporations moving into rural areas, and the fact that a lot of people on minimal wages needed to buy groceries at lower prices than Brown’s offered.

‘Do you want me to see if Scott can find you a few shifts here?’ Lilly asked.

Elle concentrated on not spluttering her sip of wine. Her mother would have a heart attack. ‘I haven’t started looking yet, but if I can’t find anything, that would be great. Thanks.’ Lilly gave her a knowing grin. ‘Your mother would not approve at all.’

‘My mother doesn’t approve of pretty much anything,’ Elle said dryly. ‘I know you love working here, Lil, and I’d be grateful for any job right now, but I’d like to see what else might be available first.’

‘I understand. It’s cool. Besides, we’d probably never get put on together anyway and then we wouldn’t be able to catch up, so that would suck. Dinner still on for tomorrow night?’

‘Of course, wouldn’t miss it,’ Elle said and took another sip of her wine as Lilly went to serve some more customers.

Elle watched her banter with her regulars and marvelled, not for the first time, at Lilly’s easygoing nature. Elle had never been as outgoing as her friend and she doubted she’d make a very good bartender. The two of them had had this discussion before. ‘It’s all just customer service,’ Lilly had protested.

‘But there’s a difference between serving little old ladies at the checkout and rowdy men who’ve had a few beers at the bar,’ Elle replied.

No, she didn’t think bar work was for her. They chatted for a few more minutes once Lilly returned and Elle finished her drink. ‘I’d better get going. I’ll see you for dinner tomorrow night,’ she said, getting down from the bar stool.

Weekly dinners at Lilly’s house were a tradition that had been going on since Elle returned from university. They’d missed the last few weeks because of Gran’s death and the funeral, but Elle needed a night to catch up with her friend and hopefully get some clarity on all the craziness that had been going on lately.