Great. See you soon, she replied and then continued up and down the aisles in the supermarket, loading her basket.

It was nearly 11 a.m. and only an hour before Ruby arrived. Jan had been longer than she thought. She’d enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the busy supermarket and had taken her time choosing what to buy. She quickly gathered together the last of the items, then joined the queue at the checkout. It was long – Friday shoppers stocking up for the weekend.

It was 11.20 by the time Jan had paid and left the supermarket. As she was crossing the car park she realized she’d forgotten coffee. Drat! She wasn’t going back to stand in that queue again; she’d stop off at Lillian’s store in Merryless. She’d also get some more change for the meter while she was there.

The roads out of Coleshaw were busy so it was 11.50 before Jan drew up outside the shop in Merryless. Before getting out, she texted Ruby just in case she got to the cottage before she did. Will be there shortly x

She was about to open her car door when she saw Chris go into the shop. Damn and blast! She really didn’t want to meet him right now. It would be embarrassing after their disastrous evening and then bumping into him with Anne yesterday. She had nothing to say to him. She waited in the car for a few moments longer, but he didn’t reappear. She couldn’t wait indefinitely. He might be in there for some time talking to his sister-in-law.

Steeling herself, Jan got out and went into the shop. Chris was at the counter talking to Lillian with his back to her. ‘Hi, Jan,’ Lillian called, while Chris didn’t even bother to turn. Not even a nod of acknowledgement. Well, sod him, Jan thought.

Keeping her gaze away from them, Jan went over to the shelves containing the packets of filter coffee and pretended to browse as Lillian wound up their conversation. ‘Give my love to Mel and the little ones,’ she said. Jan had no idea who Mel was.

She waited until Chris had left the shop before she took the packet of coffee to the counter. ‘Can I have some meter money as well, please?’

‘Sure, love. How are you?’

‘Fine, thanks.’

Lillian went into the back office to fetch the coins from the safe.

‘How did your date go?’ she asked, setting the bag of one-pound coins on the counter.

‘With Chris?’ Jan asked, surprised Lillian had mentioned it. Surely Chris would have told her.

‘Well, yes, unless you’ve been dating others,’ Lillian said with a smile.

‘It wasn’t good. I doubt we’ll see each other again.’

‘Oh dear, I am sorry to hear that.’ She seemed genuinely concerned.

‘Didn’t Chris mention it then?’ Jan asked as she paid.

‘I haven’t seen him since Wednesday,’ Lillian replied.