‘Okay. Well. I’ll just be sat quietly over here and scrolling my Instagram, so that you can get on with it.’ She shifted her weight so that she faced away from Penny, towards the car door instead.

I’m sorry I never texted, Penny typed into a new message, thankful Stuart had made her save Francesco’s number. But better late than never, I suppose …

The screen said Francesco was typing back.

I’d say so, came the reply. And then: You’re lucky I don’t play games, otherwise I wouldn’t be texting back until a week on Friday …

Penny grinned at her screen. I was silly not to text before. I felt scared!

Because I’m obviously terrifying?

Yeah, obviously.

It took a moment for his response to come back. Penny jiggled her leg and let the familiar sensation of butterflies and uncertainty float up through her stomach. Her phone screen lit up. Well, I’m thrilled to now be in possession of your number, so that a) my ego can dust itself off, and slightly more importantly b) we can, perhaps, go out? I presume that’s why you’ve now decided to grace my phone with your digits …

Penny felt a burst of glee. She was going to see him again! She’d taken a chance! She’d been a modern woman willing to believe and it was paying off! I’d like that, she said. Yes.

Okay good. I’ll text you tomorrow to figure out the where and the when.

Perfect.

Islington became Newington Green, which became the backstreets of Stoke Newington where the houses started to look familiar and soon Penny would be home.

Francesco? she added, deciding to show up to this fully since she was bothering to show up at all.

Yes Penny?

I’m really glad I ran into you.

I’m really glad I’m a clumsy oaf and knocked your bag onto the floor! he replied.

Night x, she typed.

Talk tomorrow xxxxxx, he said, and she truly hoped they would.

3

Give me a day and a time that you’re free, and I’ll do the rest, said his text, simply.

Hello! Penny replied. All day Sunday or Monday. It’s best when the café is closed.

Please hold, Francesco typed. Let me think of a plan. Definitely Sunday though.

Penny sent back: Should I pencil that in, or use pen?

Francesco replied with the brain-exploding emoji.

How dare you. I’m a man of my word. You can write it in your diary with permanent marker.