She did a few chores to fill the time while she waited for Peach Gallagher. He was coming by to collect some tools and a final check for his services, and the prospect of seeing him again made her nervous. Catching a glimpse of her reflection in the dark shop window, she smoothed her hands down her sides and wondered if she should change. Instead of her usual conservative skirt and blouse, she wore lived-in jeans and an oversize cardigan. She decided not to dress up for him. This was who she was now, finally at ease with herself, surrendering to the decision she’d made. She wondered if Peach would notice the difference.

Her feelings for him were unlike anything in her experience. She’d never gotten it right with a man, but with Peach, the potential was there. That’s all it would ever be, because she was leaving.

She wanted to see him again, though. She needed to tell him that what he’d done for Grandy was beyond price. She’d never be able to thank him for that.

When she saw him in the foyer, she jumped up to let him in. He arrived on a gust of damp winter wind.

“You were right,” she said to him in a rush.

He grinned. “I like where this is going,” he said.

Dear God, she loved his smile. “About the mercury,” she said. “They started treatments right away. It’s helping a lot. The dementia is a separate issue, but the other symptoms have improved. He feels much better.” Now that he isn’t breathing mercury vapor every night, she thought with a wave of guilt. “I don’t know how to thank you, Peach.” What she really wanted to tell him was I miss you. Please come back. But she didn’t because she was dealing with so many changes, not the least of which was the fact that she was moving away.

“Is he around? I’d like to say hi.”

“He’s probably in bed already. The treatments are exhausting. Maybe tomorrow, if you have time. In other news …” Her hand shook as she showed him a business card. “I have a buyer for the shop. Apparently my mom had been discussing it with a big commercial outfit, but Grandy wouldn’t budge. I was on the verge of taking him to court. And now I don’t have to, because he finally decided to sell and settle all the outstanding debt. I just need to figure out a way to say goodbye to this place.” She felt a wave of nausea as she regarded Sylvia curled in her spot by the reading chair. “We’re moving to Archangel, up in Sonoma. I can get my old job back if I want.”

“I thought you hated that job,” said Peach.

“Not as much as I love my grandfather.”